Author: R. Ellick

Friday, June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited condition. The blood cells are rigid, sticky and shaped like a crescent, rather than like healthy cells that are round a flexible.  People with sickle cell disease often suffer severe chronic pain. The disease can also lead to life-threatening complications. 

SCD is a disease that is passed from parents to children. If two people have the sickle cell trait and they decide to have children, there’s a 1 in 4 chance of having a child with sickle cell disease. It is important to know your trait status. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. A simple blood test can determine whether you are a carrier.  

An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in Virginia live with SCD. It is a disease that affects millions of people throughout the world. SCD primarily affects Black people or people of African descent. Although, people from South and Central America, the Middle East, Italy, and Greece are also impacted.  

Earlier this month, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law a legislative package that assists parents, teachers and healthcare professionals who support people living with SCD.  The new law, called the Queen Candis Act, is named in honor of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s daughter, Candis Gabriella King. King died at 15-years-old, due to complications related to SCD. The new legislation is designed to: 

• Provide training for school nurses and coaches 

• Improve education for individuals supporting SCD patients 

• Establish Virginia’s sickle cell trait program 

• Establish the Sickle Cell Coordinated Access program to better connect healthcare providers 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) partners with several health care systems to provide clinical care for people living with SCD. Other programs include the Virginia Statewide Sickle Cell Disease Registry. It is a database designed to help public health officials improve care. The secure database: 

• Helps improve referrals  

• Helps healthcare providers learn more about the diseases 

• Improves healthcare  

• Supports research 

If you are interested in more information about sickle cell disease, visit the VDH website. 

June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventable health issues and encouraging men across the Commonwealth to take steps toward healthier lives. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is encouraging men to use available health programs and preventive services to better understand their health and reduce long-term health risks. 

VDH also wants men to get regular checkups and take care of their health. Start today. Even small changes can help you feel better and stay healthy. 

• Check your blood pressure and get regular health checkups. 

• Talk to a friend, family member or doctor about your health goals. They can help you stay on track. 

• Be active. Try to walk every day, even if it is just for 20 to 30 minutes. Walking can help your heart, lower stress and help you feel better. 

• Get enough sleep and try limit your alcohol intake. 

• Visit QuitNowVirginia.org, or call 1-800-Quit Now if you are a current smoker or nicotine user. 

• If you’re having a hard time – get help by calling the 988 Lifeline. Talk with someone whether that’s a friend or professional.  Staying mentally health can help protect your physical health.    

Many of the Local Health Districts offer programs and services that support men’s health, including: 

• Blood pressure monitoring and heart health awareness: Men are encouraged to regularly check their blood pressure and learn about heart disease prevention. An estimated 31% of Virginia adults are living with hypertension, or high blood pressure, a condition that continues to affect men at disproportionately high rates and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.   

• Nutrition and healthy lifestyle education: Promotes balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.  

• Vaccination services: Immunizations for adults, including tetanus, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, HPV, and other routine vaccines that help protect long-term health.  

• Sexual health services and STI prevention: HIV/STI testing, sexual health resources, and free condoms to help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections across Virginia communities.  

For more information about men’s health and programs, contact your Local Health District at or visit the Virginia Department of Health website. 

Algal blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless. However, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins.  

Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid discolored water or scum that is green or bluish-green because it could contain toxins. 

To prevent illness, people should: 

• Avoid contact with any area of the water that is green or an advisory sign is posted. WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT! 

• Do not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water. 

• Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algal bloom. 

• Quickly wash exposed skin and/or wash your pets off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or water with algal blooms. 

• Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom. 

• Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cooking fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.  

• Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a harmful algal bloom. 

Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algal blooms or how to report an algae bloom or fish kill. 

Measles wastewater testing will be expanding across Virginia. Starting in May 2026, in partnership with the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), VDH began testing wastewater collected from about 30 Virginia wastewater treatment plants for measles virus. Results are posted on CDC’s Wastewater Data for Measles page.  

Why look for diseases in wastewater? People infected with measles can pass viral material in their stool before symptoms begin. When a person with an infection uses the toilet, sink, or shower, viral particles can enter the wastewater system. A laboratory test can detect these viral particles in a sample of wastewater. A positive wastewater measurement shows that measles might be present in a community. Testing wastewater for diseases can provide alerts about disease trends even when people do not show symptoms, seek medical care or testing.  

A positive measles wastewater result does not tell us: 

• Who is sick and the severity of their illness 

• How many people are sick 

• Whether the sick person(s) lives in the community or was travelling through 

If there is a measles detection in wastewater near you, protect yourself by:  

• Checking your measles immunity status 

• Avoiding contact with people who are sick  

• Practicing good respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering your mouth when coughing) 

Wastewater testing is most useful when we compare it with other clinical information. This includes hospital visits and clinical laboratory tests. If measles is not detected in wastewater, it does not guarantee that no measles infections are present in the community.  

Wastewater monitoring can provide an early signal to public health officials about measles activity in a community. This is especially critical with measles cases on the rise in the United States and in Virginia. As of May 26, 2026, 1,952 measles cases have been reported nationally, including 54 cases in Virginia.

Cases might increase in the summer as more people travel. The MMR vaccine is your best protection against measles. 

To learn more about the Virginia Department of Health’s measles response visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/. 

Enjoy fun, healthy and safe summer in the water

Drowning happens fast, faster than most people realize. In as little as 20 seconds, a child or adult can slip under the water and disappear. No splashing. No yelling. No warning. It happens quickly, quietly, and it can happen to anyone. 

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. Last year, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported 12 pool drownings among children ages 0 to 5, which sadly represented a six-year high in the number of pool drownings. 

And it’s not just young kids. Between 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning. More than half of those deaths happened in natural waters like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Drowning can happen to anyone – children, teens, even strong adult swimmers. It only takes a moment. 

That’s why this summer, VDH is asking adults to take the Safe Swimming Pledge and make water safety a daily habit. 

2026 Safe Swimming Pledge 

I promise to: 

• Never leave children unattended near water and always remain within arm’s reach. 

• Designate a water watcher every single time children in my care are in or near the water. A Water Watcher is a responsible adult who agrees to watch the kids in the water without distractions. 

• Make sure children in my care know how to swim. 

• Learn CPR and know how to use lifesaving equipment like throw rings, rescue tubes, and reaching poles. 

• Ensure any permanent pool I am responsible for has a proper fence and gate and safe drain covers and any portable pool ladders are removed when not in use. 

Thank you for doing your part to ensure we all have a safe and healthy summer of fun. Visit swimhealthyva.com or the Department of Social Service’s Water Safety page for more safe swimming tips. Remember: swim safe, stay safe! 

Virginia officials, school nurses, and public health and education leaders gathered on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol on May 6 to recognize School Nurse Appreciation Day and honor the important role school nurses play in supporting student health and learning across the Commonwealth.

Held during National Nurses Week, the proclamation ceremony included representatives from the Virginia Association of School Nurses (VASN) and featured remarks from Lauryn Walker, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources, who reflected on the impact school nurses have on students, families, and school communities across Virginia.

Drawing from her own nursing background, Walker emphasized the trusted role school nurses have in supporting students throughout the school day, responding to both health and emotional needs, and helping children remain healthy enough to learn.

“School nurses are not peripheral to education, you are central to it,” Walker said.

Walker also noted that school nurses provided more than three million medications to Virginia students during the 2024–2025 school year. She emphasized their role in managing chronic conditions, supporting behavioral health needs, coordinating care, and helping students remain healthy enough to stay in the classroom.

Following the remarks, Connor Andrews, Deputy Secretary of Education, read Governor Abigail Spanberger’s proclamation recognizing School Nurse Appreciation Day in Virginia. The proclamation recognized the contributions school nurses make each day to the health, safety, and success of students across Virginia.

A framed copy of the proclamation was presented to Heather Snyder, the 2025 VASN Outstanding School Nurse Administrator of the Year; Betsy Looney, a 2026 National Association of School Nurses Fellow; and Na-Keisha White, President of VASN and a school health and wellness coordinator with the Virginia Department of Education.

School nurses often serve as a vital connection point between health care, families, schools, and community resources. Their work supports not only student health and safety but also attendance, learning, and long-term well-being.

The event recognized school nurses across Virginia for the care, expertise, and compassion they bring to school communities every day.

 

 

 

National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3–9) is a good reminder for Virginians to get ready for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. Hurricanes can cause strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even tornadoes. Tropical cyclones can affect both coastal and inland communities. 

Colorado State University hurricane researchers’ initial 2026 forecast predicts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season with 32% chance of at least one major hurricane (Category 3+) hitting the U.S. this season. Remember, it only takes one storm to change your life and community. 

If a hurricane hits Virginia, coastal areas may see powerful wind gusts, storm surges, and heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding. Inland areas may face flooding, high winds, and the risk of tornadoes. Additionally, hurricanes and tropical storms can also lead to long-lasting power outages. It is important to prepare before a storm arrives. 

• Have a plan. Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if a hurricane is headed your way. Know your evacuation zone and decide where you will go if you need to leave. Include your pets in your plan. You can create a family emergency plan online. 

• Check your emergency kit. Check your emergency supply kits for your home and car. Replace expired items and make sure you have food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Don’t have an emergency kit? Visit ready.gov to learn what to include and where to store it. 

• Stay informed. Stay informed by downloading the FEMA app and using a NOAA weather radio. You can also track storms on the National Hurricane Center website. 

Preparing now helps protect you, your family, and your community. 

For more information on hurricane preparedness, check out the Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Guide.  

DRINKING WATER WEEK—sponsored by the American Water Works Association—is a time to recognize the vital role that clean, reliable drinking water plays in our everyday lives. Whether it’s supporting our health, keeping us hydrated, or helping maintain proper hygiene, safe water is essential to our well‑being. 

But delivering safe drinking water doesn’t happen by accident. 

Behind every drop is a dedicated team of water professionals who work around the clock—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Their expertise ensures that our water systems remain safe, high‑quality, and dependable for everyone. 

As we celebrate Drinking Water Week, we’re reminded that protecting and sustaining this essential resource is a shared responsibility—and one made possible by the commitment of those who keep our water flowing.  

Did You Know…? 

Water does far more than quench our thirst. It plays a crucial role in keeping both our planet and our bodies functioning properly. 

• It regulates the Earth’s temperature. 

• It helps control body temperature. 

• It carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells. 

• It cushions joints and protects vital organs and tissues. 

• It removes waste from the body. 

How Virginia Keeps Drinking Water Safe: 

In Virginia, drinking water safety is primarily overseen by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW). This team manages more than 2,800 public water systems, serving roughly 7.75 million people across the Commonwealth. 

Standards That Protect Us: 

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets strict standards that all public drinking water systems must follow. VDH’s Office of Drinking Water enforces these standards in Virginia—regularly testing for over 90 potential contaminants to ensure water remains safe, clean, and reliable. 

Want to Learn About Your Local Drinking Water?  

Consumers can explore detailed, system‑specific drinking water data anytime using the VDH‑ODW Drinking Water Viewer. It’s an easy way to see how your local public water system is performing and what’s in your water. 

 

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water. 

Heat Stroke Prevention Day (May 1) is an important reminder that heat stroke, the most serious heat related illness, is deadly but preventable. Last summer, Virginia saw more than 4,000 heat-related illness visits to emergency departments and urgent cares. 

Heat stroke happens when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body heats up fast, sweating stops, and the body cannot cool down. Your temperature can rise to 106°F or higher in just 10 to 15 minutes. Without quick treatment, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death. 

Common signs of heat stroke include:  

• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech 

• Loss of consciousness  

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating 

• Seizures 

• Very high body temperature 

• Fatal if treatment delayed 

Heat stroke can be fatal if treatment is delayed. 

Children are especially at risk. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult. Never leave a child in a car, even for a short time. Remember: Park, Look, Lock. Always check the front and back seats before walking away. 

You can prevent heat stroke by staying cool and hydrated.  

• When outdoors, stay in the shade, take breaks, and plan activities during cooler times of day. 

• Indoors, use air conditioning when possible. Fans can help only when the temperature is below 90°F. If you need a cool place, call 211 to find a nearby location. 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a water bottle and refill it often. Try to limit drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or high sugar. Light colored urine usually means you are drinking enough. 

Check the Heat Risk Forecast to understand the level of heat danger in your area. Staying informed and prepared can help protect you and your community during extreme heat. 

This week, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) local health districts across the Commonwealth are continuing Requisite Cardinal, an emergency preparedness exercise to strengthen our ability to respond to a biological incident. About 20 local health departments will take part in Point of Dispensing (POD) drills, where staff practice giving out medicine or vaccines quickly during a public health emergency. 

This work builds on the first phase of the exercise, which began in March at the 2026 Public Health Emergency Summit. That phase tested how health agencies make decisions, share information, and manage resources during a simulated biological event. 

Requisite Cardinal encourages stronger collaboration between public health, emergency management, health care coalitions, and other community partners.  

This week’s POD exercise will evaluate each of the participating health district’s ability to:  

• Set up and operate POD sites. 

• Quickly and safely dispense or administer medicine. 

• Distribute supplies. 

• Serve people quickly and efficiently. 

These exercises help us find what works well and what needs improvement before a real emergency happens. Practicing together makes our communities safer and strengthens our ability to respond.  

Residents may see activity throughout the state at POD sites during the exercise, but there is no real emergency. 

You can find additional preparedness resources and learn more about VDH’s Office of Emergency Preparedness at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-preparedness/.