Author: marianhunter

Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Hepatitis Coalition Join Together for Hepatitis Awareness Month to Combat Viral Hepatitis
Learn About Viral Hepatitis Testing, Vaccination, and Treatment 

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has joined with the Virginia Hepatitis Coalition (VHC) this May to highlight hepatitis and the danger it poses to the public. May is the annual observance of Hepatitis Awareness Month, nationally; May 19 is National Hepatitis Testing Day in the United States. Both organizations are recommitting their efforts to spread awareness of and education about viral hepatitis to the public.   

Hepatitis is an infection of the liver. When it is goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications including liver cancer and even death. While there are multiple types of viral hepatitis, the most common in the United States, and Virginia, are hepatitis A, B, and C.  Case counts are higher for hepatitis B and C, with cases of hepatitis A normally only occurring in high-risk populations and outbreaks. 

In 2024, Virginia had more than 1,500 new cases of hepatitis B.  The most effective way to protect yourself from both hepatitis A and B is a safe and effective vaccine.   

There were also more than 4,000 new hepatitis C cases in 2024.  There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.  

“Hepatitis C is curable through a course of oral medications for 8 to 12 weeks,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb.  “We have the tools to cure this disease and prolong life, but only if people know their status.” 

One lifetime hepatitis C test is recommended for all adults to know their status. Testing for viral hepatitis is available at community clinics, private providers, and at all local health departments. 

VDH and VHC will be sharing personal stories of Virginians who have been cured of hepatitis C and how this has positively impacted their lives.  Follow the VDH social media platforms and share these stories to amplify their message. 

“Viral hepatitis thrives in the shadows, but it doesn’t have to. With testing, treatment, and the right partnerships, we can bring it into the light and eliminate hepatitis C in Virginia,” said Terry Kemp-Knick, DrPH, BSN-BC, Co-Chair of the Virginia Hepatitis Coalition. 

To learn more about viral hepatitis: 

• Call the Disease Prevention Hotline at (800) 533-4148. 

• Visit the VDH viral hepatitis webpage. 

• Visit the CDC viral hepatitis webpage. 

• Find a local health department near you to get tested for viral hepatitis or to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. 

• Access hepatitis C treatment across Virginia, visit Virginia HEPC or connect to care at CureMyHepC. 

The Virginia Hepatitis Coalition (VHC) is a network of clinicians, service providers, community partners, and individuals living with or affected by viral hepatitis, working together to advance effective policies, reduce stigma, and expand access to prevention, testing, and treatment.  The coalition provides treatment resources for people with viral hepatitis and offers training and technical assistance to service providers. Visit their website to access services or get involved. 

Viral hepatitis doesn’t have to be a deadly disease. With testing and follow-up treatment, it can be defeated. Let’s all work together to combat viral hepatitis this Hepatitis Awareness Month. 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 15, 2026 

VDH Media Contact: Cheryle Rodriguez cheryle.rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov 
DBHDS Media Contact: Lauren Cunningham, lauren.cunningham@dbhds.virginia.gov

Virginia Launches “Beyond the Blues” Campaign to Raise Awareness of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression 
Campaign helps Virginians recognize emotional changes earlier, reduce stigma and connect parents and families to support.  

(RICHMOND, Va.) — In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month in May, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), announced the launch of Beyond the Blues, a statewide public awareness campaign designed to help Virginians better understand perinatal & postpartum depression and maternal mental health.  

The General Assembly allocated $553,200 for the campaign and development on an online resource hub. It was created to help parents, families, healthcare providers and communities recognize that maternal mental health struggles are common, treatable and often show up in ways people may not expect. Symptoms can include physical aches and pains, feelings such as anxiety, numbness, rage, fear, sadness, or simply “not feeling like themselves.” These experiences can happen before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after birth or long after a baby arrives. 

“Maternal mental health determines a parent’s ability to care for their family and themselves,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. “When we support parents through programs like Beyond the Blues, we create more stability for children and help prevent challenges from becoming emergencies. 

Seventy-five percent of women affected by postpartum depression and maternal mental health issues do not get the help they need. Recognizing the symptoms can be part of the challenge. The campaign is designed to help make those early signs easier to recognize and talk about. It also emphasizes community responsibility and how partners, family members, friends, faith leaders, healthcare providers, neighbors and local organizations can provide support.   

“Support often begins with the people closest to a parent,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “You don’t have to be an expert to help. If you notice something, you can ask, listen without judgment, and help them take that next step.”   

“As we all work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, conversation and connection is key,” said DBHDS Commissioner Daryl Washington, LCSW. “Starting that conversation with a friend or loved one experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy or after birth can make an important difference in their lives and help assure them that they are not alone in this journey.”  

Beyond the Blues campaign materials will encourage parents to seek support and equip community networks with plain-language tools for starting conversations. Healthcare providers and community messengers will also be encouraged to use compassionate, nonjudgmental language and offer clear next steps for help. An online resource hub is available to make maternal mental health information more accessible for parents, community partners, local health districts and trusted organizations. Focus areas include: 

• Current information on perinatal and postpartum depression and other maternal mental health conditions 

• Directing people to Postpartum Support Virginia, which provides a directory of mental health providers specializing in perinatal care and offers care coordination services 

• Information on support groups and other state and national resources  

• Shareable materials and a Beyond the Blues awareness campaign toolkit for partners 

• An opportunity to share your experience with postpartum depression or other mental health issues during pregnancy or the postpartum period 

For more information and resources, visit vdh.virginia.gov/beyond-the-blues.  

About the Virginia Department of Health 

The Virginia Department of Health protects the health and promotes the well-being of all people in Virginia. VDH works with communities, healthcare partners and public health leaders across the Commonwealth to prevent disease, promote healthy environments and ensure access to information and services that support healthier lives.  

About the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) seeks to promote dignity, choice, recovery, and the highest possible level of participation in work, relationships, and all aspects of community life for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities or substance-use disorders. DBHDS operates 12 state hospitals and centers and partners with 40 locally run community services boards and thousands of private providers statewide. For more information, please visit www.dbhds.virginia.gov, and find DBHDS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube 

As of May 7, 2026, please see the Virginia Department of Health’s statement:

• The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring this situation closely and has been in active communication with our federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• To date, one Virginia traveler who was on the MV Hondius disembarked the ship and has returned home. This person is currently in good health and is under public health monitoring. To protect the privacy of this person, no further details will be shared about this individual.
• Our understanding is that fewer than 30 U.S. Citizens were on board the ship. A small number (<5) of other potentially exposed Virginians might be identified in the days ahead.
• We will maintain communication with travelers, local health departments, and federal partners, and will continue to implement recommended public health actions. Generally speaking, we believe the risk to the general public to be low.

Learn more: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/hantavirus/

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State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb sat down with CNN to share some important information about hantavirus. Check out the interview below:

Virginia Department of Health Launches First Perinatal Health Hubs to Support Families Across the Commonwealth
 Four community-based sites expand support for mothers, babies, and families  

(RICHMOND, Va.) —  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced the launch of the first-ever Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program, marking a major step forward in strengthening care for Virginia families before, during, and after childbirth. Four organizations have been selected to serve as the program’s inaugural Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program.  

• Rockbridge Area Health Center, Lexington, VA 
• Child Development Resources, Inc. Williamsburg, VA 
• Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA 
• Strength in Peers, Inc Harrisonburg, VA

Working together, these sites will serve as community anchors for a new, innovative model of maternal and infant care—one designed to better support families during pregnancy and throughout the critical first year of a child’s life.  

The perinatal health hubs pilot program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve health outcomes by expanding access to coordinated, community-driven care. Each hub will customize its services to specific local needs, including an implementation plan, with contracts running through June 2027.   

“Every family in Virginia deserves strong support throughout pregnancy and during that critical first year for mom and baby,” said Virginia State Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “These Perinatal Health Hubs will help us work with our partners to ensure families get the comprehensive, culturally responsive care they need.”  

At the heart of the hubs is a diverse, collaborative workforce focused on closing gaps in pre- and post-natal care so families will gain increased access to essential services.  The hubs provide vital support to the community, perinatal health providers, and hospital systems through their access to a diverse workforce. The hubs’ variety of services include access to:  

• Doulas 
• Community Health Workers 
• Peer support specialists 
• Birth workers  
• Perinatal specialists

By connecting providers, hospitals, and community organizations, the hubs are designed to create a seamless network of support—helping families navigate care with greater confidence and continuity.  

The bold initiative reflects strong statewide interest in innovative maternal health solutions. VDH received applications from organizations across Virginia during the competitive process, which ran from October 31 to December 1, 2025. A review committee made up of public and private partners evaluated proposals based on organizational capacity, community engagement, project quality, data planning, and long-term sustainability.  

More than 40 organizations applied, reflecting an exceptional level of interest and a strong, forward-looking vision for communities across the Commonwealth. The quality of submissions was outstanding, highlighting both innovation and a clear understanding of evolving community needs. While only four great projects were granted due to limited resources, the opportunities outlined by our applicants speak to future needs of our communities in caring for our families.  Grantees were selected with consideration for regional representation. The pilot program is supported by State General Funds allocated through Chapter 725 of the 2025 Virginia Acts of Assembly. The General Assembly dedicated $2.5 million dollars over two years to establish and fund a minimum of three pilot sites across Virginia. Eligible applicants included private non-profit or for- profit organizations that deliver direct services to pregnant and postpartum families. Government organizations were not eligible.   

As the program moves forward, VDH and its partners will closely track outcomes, gather data, and identify best practices—laying the groundwork for potential expansion and long-term improvements in maternal and infant health across Virginia. 

RICHMOND, VA— Governor Abigail Spanberger today signed a package of bipartisan legislation — commonly known as the Momnibus — to improve and expand healthcare coverage for Virginia mothers and families, particularly women who face the highest risks. Read full news release>>

(RICHMOND, Va.) — As spring arrives and the weather warms up, tick activity increases around Virginia. Increased tick activity means that Virginians need to be aware of the risks that ticks can pose to people.   

“As a physician, this is the time of year when I’d start seeing patients come in with tick-borne illnesses — often beginning with a rash, but sometimes leading to serious, life-altering conditions,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “Here in Virginia, we know this risk is real. The good news is that prevention is within our control — simple steps like using repellent and checking for ticks can make a meaningful difference. As more people head outdoors, building those habits into our routines is one of the best ways to protect our health.”  

There are several illnesses that ticks can spread in Virginia, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Alpha-gal Syndrome. Some ticks begin seeking a source of food – you – as soon as the temperature gets above freezing. Now is when you should be mindful of their presence and begin taking precautions to prevent bites.   

Ticks are typically found in shady, moist, humid areas, specifically in tall, brushy vegetation and leaf litter in and around wooded areas. Anyone who spends time outside should be aware of ticks and take precautions. Farmers, foresters, and others who spend lots of time outside should be particularly vigilant. Farmers should also regularly check their animals for ticks.   

“After contracting Alpha-gal Syndrome from a tick bite in 2022, I’ve experienced firsthand how life-altering tick-borne illnesses can be. This condition significantly changed my daily routine and is a constant reminder that tick prevention is a necessity, not an option,” said Charles Green, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “For our farmers, foresters, and families who spend their lives outdoors, taking appropriate preventive measures is a simple but vital step to protect your long-term health.”  

The VDH tick website has information for people on how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you are bitten by a tick. If a person is bitten by a tick, VDH can also provide tick identification assistance through our Virginia Citizen Tick Survey at no cost.  

The best way to avoid tickborne illnesses is to prevent tick bites. 

• While you’re outdoors, use an EPA-registered insect repellent as your first line of defense against ticks. You may consider: 

• Using permethrin to treat clothing or gear, which will provide protection even after several washes. Spray it on your clothing several days in advance so it can properly dry. You should never wear clothes that are still wet from permethrin spray, and do not apply to the skin. 

• Using repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin.  

• Always remember to follow instructions on the product label. If using products on children and their clothing, take additional precautions to make sure those products are safe for use. 

• Ticks can climb up your shoes and socks. Tucking your pant legs inside your socks makes it harder for ticks to crawl high enough to reach your skin, making it easier to remove them before they bite. Wearing light colored clothing can also help you to spot ticks more easily. 

• After you’ve been outdoors, check your body and clothing for ticks. 

• Tumble dry your clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks. 

• Use a mirror, or with the help of a friend, partner, or spouse, check your body for ticks, paying close attention to your armpits, groin, in and around the ears, hairline, navel, and the backs of the knees. 

• Once you’ve cleared yourself of ticks, check any children, pets, and outdoor gear.

You’ve taken all the precautions you can to avoid getting bitten by a tick, but what should you do if a tick has bitten you? Follow these steps to properly and safely remove the tick. 

• Step 1: Use a tweezer to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin. 

• Step 2: Pull upward, with steady and even pressure, until the tick releases. Try to avoid breaking mouthparts of the tick or rupturing the tick’s body. 

• Step 3: After you’ve removed the tick, clean the bite area with soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. 

• Step 4: Save the tick in a bag or sealed container with rubbing alcohol for later identification if you develop an illness in the days or weeks after the bite. 

• You can also mark on your calendar the date of the tick bite!

If you start to feel sick or if an unusual rash develops at the site of the tick bite, you should consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.  

Many of the diseases caused by tick bites can be serious, but tick bites can be prevented through simple, common-sense steps which all Virginians can take. 

Virginia Department of Health Celebrates National Public Health Week
National Public Health Week is April 6-12  

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is recognizing National Public Health Week, April 6-12, by highlighting the critical public health work of VDH and its partner agencies. Virginia’s public health workers are reflecting on why they serve, while focusing on the future of public health and its impact on communities across Virginia. 

This year’s national call to action asks communities to renew their commitment to improving health outcomes. The theme, “Ready. Set. Action!” emphasizes assessing progress in public health and taking the next steps toward a healthier future.  

“During National Public Health Week, we’re reminded that the most powerful data we have isn’t in a chart or a dashboard; it’s in the lived experiences of the people we serve,” said Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “When we take the time to truly listen, we build the trust that is the foundation of public health. And with that trust, we can show up for Virginia’s communities in the ways they need and deserve.” 

For nearly 400 years, public health has made its mark by overseeing programs and services designed to improve the health of Virginians. In 1610, the Jamestown Colony enacted the first sanitation regulations. Since then, public health work has expanded. VDH provides hundreds of programs, services and resources, covering all aspects of public health. The agency and its 35 local health districts serve more than 8.8 million Virginians in areas that include family health, environmental health, disease prevention, emergency preparedness and vital records.  

VDH invites you to take a moment to recognize how public health has improved the lives of Virginians by protecting the health and promoting the well-being of all Virginians. To learn more about VDH programs, follow VDH on Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov. 

RICHMOND, Va. – Effective immediately, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the remaining recreational water advisory for the Potomac River from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I-495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge. 

An initial advisory was issued February 13, out of an abundance of caution due to a sewage spill in the Potomac River that occurred January 19, and subsequent reports of a sewage discharges in early February.  

On March 14, DC Water successfully completed emergency repairs and returned the sewage flow to the Potomac Interceptor. Water quality sampling results collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Maryland, and Washington DC partners indicate bacteria concentrations in the Potomac River outside of the immediate spill site are at levels acceptable for all recreational water use. Virginia residents are advised that Montgomery County, Maryland, is maintaining an advisory for the land areas impacted by the sewage overflow and portions of the river within 200 feet of the Maryland shoreline between Swainson Island and Lock 8.  This area closest to the spill site is most likely to be affected by runoff, especially after storm events until all remediation efforts are complete. The Virginia Department of Health will continue to monitor sampling data as available.   

Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some health risk because the water is not disinfected. Children under the age of five years, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water. VDH recommends the following safety tips for people planning to swim, wade, kayak, canoe or go rafting in Virginia natural waters: 

• Avoid getting water in your mouth. Never swallow water from an untreated water source. 

• Don’t swim if you have broken skin. Bacteria, viruses and other organisms can infect wounds causing more serious illness. 

• Shower with soap and water after recreating in natural waters. 

• Don’t swim when you are ill. 

• Avoid swimming if dead fish are present. 

• Following heavy rain events use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary risks if you encounter covered roads or fast-moving waters. The water may be deeper and moving faster than you think. 

For more information on water safety, please visit SwimHealthyVA.com. 

For updates on the repair status, visit DC Water. For information pertaining to sampling efforts across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC please visit https://potomacinterceptor.dc.gov.  

RICHMOND, VA — As severe weather is forecast to move across the Commonwealth today and into the evening hours, Governor Abigail Spanberger is urging Virginians to prepare for the potential of damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, and large hail. Virginia emergency officials are closely monitoring conditions and coordinating with local partners to ensure resources are ready should severe weather impact communities.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) — in coordination with local emergency managers, the National Weather Service, and state agencies — has activated preparedness measures to monitor the evolving forecast and ensure rapid response capabilities as storms develop. Virginia state agencies remain in close communication with local governments and will provide support as needed to respond to storm impacts.

“Today’s forecast calls for potentially dangerous storms across much of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “As conditions can change rapidly, I encourage all Virginians to stay aware of the weather, review safety tips, and be prepared to take shelter from severe storms. Virginians can stay informed to help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Preparedness Tips for Virginians: 

• Monitor trusted weather sources and enable emergency alerts on your phone.
• Identify a safe shelter location in your home, such as an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
• Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Charge mobile devices and ensure flashlights and batteries are available in case of power outages.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially during the evening hours.

Virginians are encouraged to follow updates from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and local emergency management offices for the latest safety information and weather updates. Click here for more safety tips from VDEM.

Read more>>

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Commonwealth of Virginia has officially joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative (NEPHC). The Northeast Public Health Collaborative is a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies and leaders brought together to share expertise, improve coordination, enhance capacity, strengthen regional readiness, and promote and protect evidence-based public health. 

“Threats to people’s health do not stop at state lines, and neither should our coordination. This partnership gives Virginia access to real time expertise and stronger regional alignment so we can better respond to outbreaks, keep routine vaccinations on track, and share critical information during emergencies,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa. “Joining this collaborative ensures that Virginia remains proactive and prepared not just for today’s challenges, but for the ones we cannot yet see.”  

“This collaborative relationship has a lot of technical benefits for Virginians,” said State Health Commissioner B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD. “By working alongside neighboring jurisdictions, we strengthen our ability to share best and promising practices, identify emerging trends earlier, and coordinate strategies that protect and improve the health of Virginians. This multi-state effort reflects our commitment to learn together, act proactively, and ensure communities across the Commonwealth will start seeing positive public health outcomes as the norm.”  

Virginia joins several state and local public health departments throughout the Northeast region as NEPHC members, including Boston, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.   

All state and local jurisdictions in the Collaborative retain sovereign authority and roles, as each has unique knowledge of their demographics, the challenges they face and the legal and policy constructs under which they operate. But by working in collaboration with other jurisdictions, members of the NEPHC can improve their capabilities and institutional resiliency, thereby saving time and resources through shared planning and responding to the needs of those they serve.   

The Collaborative has already formed interjurisdictional working groups to identify opportunities for collaboration and shared planning across multiple public health disciplines including public health emergency preparedness and response, vaccine recommendations and purchasing, data collection and analysis, infectious disease, epidemiology and laboratory capacity and services.  

Across all areas of public health – from heath care associated infections to infectious disease epidemiology and from vaccinations and immunizations to emergency preparedness – Virginians will benefit from this new approach to and new level of regional cooperation and collaboration.