Category: VDH

The VDH Internship Academy has earned new recognition for the experience it provides to emerging professionals.

The Academy was named a 2026 Internships Virginia Top Employer by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). The recognition honors Virginia employers that provide high-quality, paid internships designed to give students real-world opportunities to learn and contribute while strengthening the Commonwealth’s talent pipeline.

Hands-on experience across public health

At VDH, interns do more than observe. They work alongside VDH staff and contribute to projects across a wide range of fields, including public health, environmental health, communications, finance, human resources, information technology and more.

That exposure helps interns see how different roles and disciplines work together to support VDH’s mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia.

This year, 34 interns were selected from 1,274 applicants for the Academy’s fourth cohort. Since the program began, 127 interns representing 47 colleges and universities across 19 states and Washington, D.C. have participated.

An agencywide investment in interns

The Internship Academy depends on VDH employees throughout the agency who create meaningful assignments, supervise projects, mentor interns and help them build skills they can take into their careers.

The Top Employer designation reflects that commitment to providing interns with valuable professional development while introducing students and recent graduates to VDH as a place where they can put their skills to work for public health.

Looking ahead to Cohort 5

Interested in gaining hands-on experience at VDH? Applications for Cohort 5 open Dec. 18, 2026.

Learn more about the VDH Internship Academy and how to apply.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is commemorated every September 15 to October 15 to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the U.S. The national observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

Hispanics and Latinos bring incredible strength, resilience, and diversity to our Commonwealth. Incorporating their unique perspectives and culture into the public health work that VDH does ensures that the agency’s efforts are effective and reflective of the communities we serve. From employing promotoras to conducting outreach with Hispanic entrepreneurs to promote environmental safety, VDH is dedicated to protecting the health of the more than 908,000 Hispanic and Latino individuals who call Virginia home.  

Hispanic Heritage Month in Virginia 

Virginia.gov honors the contributions of Virginians of Hispanic heritage during national Hispanic Heritage month, September 15 – October 15. 

Source: https://www.nationalcouncilhepm.com/national-hispanic-heritage-month 

Upcoming Events 

Below are just some of the events happening across the Commonwealth in celebration of Hispanic and Latino cultures.  We hope to see you there! 

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Northern Virginia & DC Area 

Fiesta Fairfax is a community celebration observed during Hispanic Heritage Month. It includes cultural performances, music, food vendors, and educational exhibits highlighting the contributions and experiences of the Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx community.  

Date: October 4, 2026 | Time: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Link: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/Events-directory/Parks-and-Recreation/Cultural-Arts/Monthly-Celebrations/Hispanic-Heritage-Month-Events/Fiesta-Fairfax 

Manassas Latino Festival This is the oldest Hispanic/Latino, family-centric festival in the area! Join in the celebrations with live music, dance performances, diverse foods, and fun for the whole family! Come enjoy this premier annual tradition filled with cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community. 

Date: September 26, 2026 | Time: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Location: Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110 | Link: https://manassaslatinofestival.com 

Latin America at Arlington County’s Festival Latinoamericano – Arlington This free community event features live entertainment, authentic food, local artisans, cultural exhibits, family-friendly activities, and community organizations. Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and experience the rich diversity that makes our community so special. 

Date: October 3, 2026 | Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm |Location: Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22204 Link: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Latino-American-Festival 

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Central & Coastal Virginia 

Virginia Fiesta – Richmond  

Date: Saturday, September 26 | Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Location: Southside Community Center, 6255 Old Warwick Rd, Richmond, VA 23225 Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/southside-community-center-richmond-va/virginia-fiesta-2026/1260944810436934/ 

Celebrate the Art of Latin America: Peru – Richmond: This free, museum-wide event features dynamic music and dance performances, hands-on art activities, and collaborative community projects. 

Date: September 12, 2026 | Time: 11:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220 Link: https://www.vmfa.museum/events/family-day-celebrate-the-art-of-latin-america-peru 

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta – Virginia Beach: This Hispanic Heritage Celebration is more than just an event—it’s a joyful day of faith, family, food, music, and community that brings people of all backgrounds together. 

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026 | Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Location: 5345 Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/5345-virginia-beach-blvd-virginia-beach-va-united-states-virginia-23462/hispanic-heritage-fiesta/1690772542011486/ 

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Shenandoah & Southwest Virginia 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Celebración of Winchester A FREE, family-friendly festival full of culture, color, and community spirit. 

Date: Saturday, September 19th | Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Location: Old Town Pedestrian Mall, Winchester, VA Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/taylor-pavilion-winchester/celebracion-of-winchester/1526100012554838/ 

Local Colors Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration – Roanoke A free, family-friendly event that spotlights the rich cultures of Latin America and recognizes the positive contributions of the Latino community in our area. 

Date: October 3, 2026 | Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: John Nolen Plaza, 26 Salem Street SE, Roanoke, and Market Street SE between Salem Ave and Norfolk Ave, Roanoke, VA 24011 Link: https://localcolors.org/events/hispanic-heritage-month-celebration-4 

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Other Events 

Latino Identities Month – University of Mary Washington https://students.umw.edu/multicultural/programs/latino-identities-month/ 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals art exhibit. The exhibit runs from September 4–26, 2026 at Del Ray Artisans Gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12- 6 pm, Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday 12-6 pm, and Sunday 12- 6 pm (closed on September 27). https://delrayartisans.org/exhibits/ 

 

 

There are many professionals that fall under the broad umbrella of forensic science, ranging from laboratory analysts to crime scene specialists. At the Virginia Department of Health, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the dedicated experts within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) – Medical Examiners, Medicolegal Death Investigators, Forensic Autopsy Technicians and support staff who specialize in the unique operations of the OCME – whose scientific work and public service are essential to understanding deaths, supporting families, and strengthening the safety and well-being of communities across the Commonwealth.  Virginia OCME is one of only 16 centralized statewide Medical Examiner systems in the country. 

This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated professionals of the Virginia OCME – the people who work every day to uncover the truth behind unexplained and unexpected deaths. The experts at the OCME rely on meticulous, unbiased scientific investigation to support Virginia’s justice system, protect public health, and bring clarity to families during their most difficult moments. 

Whether they are responding to and investigating death scenes, performing forensic autopsies, obtaining and collecting evidence, OCME staff transform complex questions into meaningful answers. And when those answers matter in court, they provide clear, scientifically grounded expert testimony that helps ensure the truth is understood. 

In the Field of Forensic Science –  

Forensic science is the application of science to matters of criminal justice. Within the OCME there are several critical roles that use scientific principles and techniques while working together to serve communities across Virginia: 

Forensic Pathologists (Chief Medical Examiner, District Chief Medical Examiners, Assistant Chief Medical Examiners)

Doctors trained in forensic pathology who determine the cause and manner of death. Through autopsies, medical record reviews, laboratory analysis, and evidence interpretation, they uncover the medical facts that explain how—and why—someone died. They also testify in court when needed, ensuring scientific accuracy informs legal decisions. 

Medicolegal Death Investigators

The first OCME representatives to be notified of a death, these investigators are the ones who receive the initial report of death to obtain essential information needed to determine medical examiner jurisdiction. When investigating a death scene, they document evidence at the scene in relation to the decedent. They are the eyes for the Forensic Pathologists on the scene and receive specialized training and certification to ensure that the appropriate details are collected during the report of death and while responding to the scenes. Their detailed work provides the foundation for every case, helping Forensic Pathologists build a complete and accurate understanding of what happened. 

Forensic Autopsy Technicians 

These highly skilled professionals support Forensic Pathologists with preparing and performing autopsies, assisting with specialized procedures, documenting findings, and ensuring proper handling of biological and physical evidence. Their technical expertise and precision help maintain the integrity and quality of every examination conducted at the OCME.  

Local Medical Examiners 

Local Medical Examiners are local licensed health care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants) who volunteer to participate in training provided by the OCME and serve their communities by working in consultation with and under the direction of forensic pathologists to perform forensic external examinations of decedents who require a death investigation but do not require a full autopsy.  Their work as Local Medical Examiners is in addition to their regular medical practices and benefits their communities and the Commonwealth by extending professional medicolegal death investigation services into all localities in Virginia. 

Other OCME Essential Personnel 

Every staff member within the OCME – whether working in the morgue or histology lab, investigating a death scene, supporting administrative functions to ensure continuity of operations, or managing complex identification cases – plays a crucial part in delivering thorough, compassionate, and scientifically sound medicolegal death investigation services to the people of Virginia.  

Specialized Skills Supporting Virginia OCME

The Virginia OCME does not employ forensic anthropologists or forensic odontologists directly on staff; however, the office maintains agreements with qualified consultants who provide these specialized services when needed.  

Forensic Anthropologists

Read the clues written in our bones. By examining skeletal remains, they help identify trauma, distinguish human from non-human remains, and offer critical insight in cases where traditional examination methods cannot immediately reveal the circumstances of death.   

Forensic Odontologists

Forensic Odontologists assist in the identification of individuals. These experts analyze dental records, compare postmortem and antemortem findings and help confirm identity when other means of identification are not possible.  

The Virginia OCME also partners closely with the Department of Forensic Science (DFS), which provides several critical forensic services that support medicolegal death investigations. These include comprehensive toxicology testing, firearms and toolmarks examinations that help determine what weapon may have been used, and DNA analysis to assist with confirming the identity of the decedent. More information about DFS can be found here. 

For additional information on the work of the experts behind medicolegal death investigations in Virginia, visit The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia.  

Citations: American Academy of Forensic Sciences and The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia.  

Last week, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) proudly celebrated National Community Health Worker (CHW) Awareness Week, August 24–28, with a week of connection, recognition, learning, and celebration. 

This year’s theme, “Cultivating Community,” highlighted the essential role CHWs play in planting seeds of trust, building meaningful relationships, connecting individuals to resources, and helping communities thrive. Throughout the week, we were reminded that CHWs are not simply working in communities; they are rooted in them. 

 

Monday: Seeded in Community Facilitated by Camille McCray (59 participants) 

We kicked off the week with “Conversations with Dr. Webb,” an opportunity for CHWs and colleagues across VDH to hear directly from leadership and reflect on the importance of community-centered work. 

The conversation provided an opportunity to recognize the foundation CHWs bring to public health and the value of investing in relationships, trust, and the lived experiences of the communities we serve. 

Video recording: Seeded in Community: https://www.zoomgov.com/rec/share/E3nsPuTm9AFedPhRI4abUoNRbmzVoxFAE25chpVS0gRzU0T5lDFvu1kG-C91Vw0s.… 
Passcode: 5O6JS6Y$ 

 

Tuesday: Grounded in Community Facilitated by Marla Ricart Chickahominy CHW (17 attendees)

Tuesday focused on being “Grounded in Community” through an in-person Networking Lunch and Learn at the Chickahominy Health District. 

The gathering created space for CHWs and public health partners to connect, share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships. The conversations throughout the day served as a powerful reminder that collaboration is one of our greatest community assets. 

 

Wednesday: Nourished in Community (Partnership with the Virginia Association of CHWs) Facilitated by Kiara Christian and Stephanie Carrington (54 attendees)  

By Wednesday, the celebration continued with opportunities for learning, connection, and professional development. 

Being “Nourished in Community” means creating spaces where CHWs can continue to learn, grow, and feel supported in the important work they do every day. The week provided opportunities to celebrate CHWs while also recognizing the importance of equipping and investing in the workforce. 

Session recording: Nourished in Community: https://www.zoomgov.com/rec/share/U7hr1ZNJ743PH6MOWjZM3WTbHoiuhWPKhOJrR6LUHd8bzc7KptAqTTfAKGNjaZKR.… 
Passcode: Ky1@267H 

 

Thursday: Growing in Community (Portsmouth Health District) Facilitated by: Torka Reed, Portsmouth CHW (34 attendees)  

Thursday’s theme, “Growing in Community,” centered on the growth that happens when people come together. 

Through shared experiences, professional connections, and meaningful conversations, CHWs demonstrated the strength of a workforce that continues to evolve alongside the communities it serves. 

Growth does not happen in isolation. It happens through relationships, collaboration, mentorship, learning, and a shared commitment to improving health and well-being. 

 

Friday: Flourish in Community, Partnership with CHW Strength 

We closed out National CHW Awareness Week with “Flourish in Community.” 

The week reminded us that when CHWs are supported, communities flourish. Their work strengthens connections, increases access to resources, builds trust, and helps individuals and families navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming. 

More importantly, this week was more than celebrating a profession. It was about recognizing the people behind the work, the CHWs who show up, listen, advocate, connect, educate, encourage, and walk alongside community members every day. 

Cultivating Community Beyond One Week 

As National CHW Awareness Week ends. The celebration does not have to end. 

Thank you for being rooted in community. 

Thank you for building bridges. 

Thank you for cultivating trust. 

And thank you for helping Virginia’s communities flourish. 

ED Bridge to Treatment Program and Overdose Needs Assessment Tool strengthen Virginia’s data-driven approach to overdose prevention, treatment and recovery 

As Virginia recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is highlighting two of many key efforts supporting the Commonwealth’s response to drug overdose: 

• Emergency Department (ED) Bridge to Treatment Program  

• Drug Overdose Needs Assessment Tool 

These efforts use healthcare partnerships and data-driven strategies to identify communities with more need. They: 

• connect individuals to treatment, and  

• strengthen overdose prevention efforts. 

While there is still much work to be done, recent VDH data show encouraging progress in reducing fatal drug overdoses in Virginia. Drug overdose deaths decreased 37% in 2024 compared with 2023. Preliminary data for 2025 show a continued decreasing trend. 

VDH’s Drug Overdose Needs Assessment Tool uses data to guide prevention resources to communities at higher need for drug overdose prevention.  

VDH also supports the Emergency Department (ED) Bridge to Treatment Program. The VDH Office of Family Health Services and Carilion Clinic partnered to launch the program in 2018. The program connects patients in the ED with appropriate follow up care. This includes people who present to the ED with:   

• non-fatal overdose,  

• acute withdrawal, or 

• requests for substance use treatment.  

Care may include prescriptions, peer recovery support, case management, and access to treatment providers.  

As part of its work to replicate this model statewide, VDH and Carilion continue to share its effective model with hospitals and health systems across Virginia.  For more information visit VDH.