Tag: highlight

National Minority Health Month is a time to raise awareness about health disparities and about how we promote health equity at VDH. Minority health refers to populations that have been historically underserved, underrepresented or face barriers to achieving optimal health due to social and economic drivers of health, or environmental factors including lack of access to safe environments. This includes racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as communities defined by culture, language, disability, geography, income, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, and other lived experiences. 

These communities often experience: 

• Higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease  

• Increased maternal and infant mortality rates  

• Reduced access to quality healthcare  

  Minority Health Month is an opportunity to:  

• Raise awareness of persistent health inequities  

• Highlight community strengths and resilience  

• Promote culturally responsive care and services  

• Encourage partnerships across sectors to improve health outcomes  

Improving minority health requires a multi-pronged public health approach that focuses on systems, policies, and environments. 

This includes: 

• Using data to identify disparities and target interventions  

• Engaging communities as leaders and partners when designing programs and services   

• Investing in prevention and upstream strategies  

• Building a diverse and culturally competent workforce  

 In Virginia, efforts to improve minority health are part of Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being, which prioritizes equity across the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) areas of focus. The plan recognizes that achieving better health outcomes requires addressing the root causes of disparities and ensuring that every community can thrive and achieve optimal health outcomes.  This month is a time for everyone to act. and you can get involved by:

• Supporting community-based organizations  

• Sharing trusted health information  

• Advocating for policies that promote equity  

For more information on Virginia’s Plan for Wellbeing visit virginiawellbeing.com. Stay tuned for more information about Virginia’s Plan for Wellbeing and how VDH supports minority health initiatives throughout the month of April.  

The 23rd Annual Emergency Preparedness Summit kicked off its second day on Wednesday morning, March 25.  

The day began with a keynote address from the Chief Information Officer Arman Latif focused on the key principles of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health. He shared the dynamics involved in agentic AI. It describes advanced artificial intelligence systems that exhibit autonomy, goal-driven behavior, and adaptability, allowing them to make decisions and take actions without human intervention. Latif talked about the importance of AI innovation balancing experimentation with responsible governance. The AI innovations shaping public health include social determinants, genomic analysis, health monitoring, healthcare ops optimization, and telehealth and monitoring.  

The day’s program included opportunities for multiple breakout session, including: 

• Timely Measles Information 

• Logistics, Developments, and Trends of Shelter Planning 

• Change Management 

• Best Practices for Workplace Safety 

• Updates from the Office of Emergency Medical Services 

• Communications: Navigating Misinformation in an Age of Rapid Change 

• Health Equity with Special Populations in Emergencies 

Highlights of some sessions included: 

A communication session focused on “Navigating Misinformation in an Age of Rapid Change.” During the hour-long presentation, Brookie Crawford, risk communications manager and Northern Region public information officer, shared the importance of establishing the agency as a trusted resource, amplifying messages and preventing information voids. Crawford also explained the differences between misinformation, malinformation and disinformation.   

With various drinking water issues being experienced across the state, staff from the Office of Drinking Water and the Central Shenandoah Health District shared best practices for handling a water-related community issue. Jordan Good, local health emergency coordinator for the Central Shenandoah Health District talked about the various roles of local government agencies and departments during a crisis. He also mentioned the importance of demonstrating value when partnering and collaborating with those agencies.  

The newest health director within VDH, Xavier Crockett, with the Central Shenandoah Health District focused on leading through uncertainty in public health. His presentation focused on four specific traits: resilience, integration, strategy and sustainability to build the leadership framework. As he referenced his favorite sport, boxing, Crockett said you can jump into the ring and hit hard and quick, but “surviving the fight does not mean you are ready for what is to come.” Crockett stated preparedness is not tested when systems are working, but preparedness is tested when systems are failing. 

The afternoon agenda included discipline-specific breakout sessions for health directors, nurse managers, emergency coordinators, business managers, medical reserve corps, and epidemiologists. 

The Virginia Epidemiology Seminar will wrap up the third day of the conference on March 26. 

The 23rd Annual Emergency Preparedness Summit kicked off on Tuesday afternoon, March 24. Several hundred Virginia Department of Health (VDH) staff members participated in these educational sessions, including health directors, emergency preparedness coordinators, business managers, epidemiologists, nurse managers and Medical Reserve Corp leaders.  

The event began with opening remarks from Robert Mauskapf, MPA, Colonel, USMC (ret.), director of emergency preparedness with VDH, followed by the Presentation of Colours by the Henrico Police Honor Guard. 

VDH’s State Health Commissioner, B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD, welcomed the group with an impactful motto that he learned during his childhood. “Stay ready, and you don’t have to get ready.”  

He reflected on his fifth day on the job as health commissioner when emergency preparedness was center stage as severe winter weather blanketed the state. Other key messages he highlighted included strengthening fiscal, administrative and operational readiness through requesting, receiving and distributing resources. Dr. Webb stressed the importance of regional partnerships and said, “Collaboration is the heart of public health.” He also reminded the audience that “equity is at the core of our work,” and it is vital to sustain the public health workforce. He continued, “Investing in people is preparedness,” and “people are the power of our response.” 

The session continued with the Medical Reserve Corps presenting their Engage, Partner, Innovated and Champion (E.P.I.C.) awards.  

The keynote address was presented by senior staff members with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). Lisa Peterson, MPH, senior director of preparedness and Jeff Ekoma, senior director for government affairs, shared their insights on advocacy taking place at the federal level.  

One highlight of the Emergency Preparedness Summit is to present those in attendance with a crisis scenario. Participants divide into groups based on their individual regions and discuss the processes and challenges that would occur related to distribution of resources and communication.  

Following the two-hour interactive discussion among the groups, the final 30 minutes of the day was dedicated to recapping the highlights and potential roadblocks that would need to be addressed during an actual crisis. 

Day 2 will include a keynote address on artificial intelligence (AI) and public health and breakout sessions of different topics for the afternoon session. 

Every year on March 24, World TB Day is observed around the world. World TB Day raises awareness about the significant health and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and is a time to advocate for TB prevention and elimination activities. Elimination of TB in the United States depends on the success of global TB programs. 

About TB 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). It is an illness that mainly affects the lungs, although it can attack any part of the body. TB is the leading cause of death worldwide from an infectious disease.  

The good news is that TB is both preventable and curable. Appropriate screening, testing and proper medical treatment can save lives. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for six to nine months for active disease and for as little as three months for latent TB infection (LTBI).  

How TB Spreads 

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings, or even talks. Someone with active TB disease may spread it to people nearby, such as friends, family, coworkers, and schoolmates. 

You cannot get TB by sharing food or shaking hands, but spending a lot of time close to someone who is sick can increase the risk.  

Symptoms of TB 

Common symptoms include: 

• Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks 

•  Fever 

• Weight loss 

• Night sweats 

• Fatigue 

• Decreased appetite 

• Chest pain 

Latent TB Infection 

People who have Latent TB Infection (LTBI) are infected with the M. tuberculosis bacteria but have not developed active TB disease.  

People with LTBI do not feel sick, so they often do not know they carry the bacteria. They do not have any symptoms and are not contagious. 

However, about 10 percent of people with LTBI will develop active TB over their lifetime. Treatment for LTBI can prevent progression to active TB disease.  

People with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system such as diabetes or HIV, have a higher risk of developing active TB if they have LTBI.  

TB in Virginia 

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.  

In 2025, Virginia had 194 cases of TB. This was a 14% decrease from the 225 cases reported in 2024. There was a decrease from 2025 in the number of children under the age of five diagnosed with active TB, but an increase in people with TB who were resistant to two of the primary drugs used to treat TB. Diabetes continues to be a primary comorbidity for people with TB. In 2025, 27% of people with TB disease also had diabetes. In 2025, 27 health districts provided care for someone with active TB disease.  

You can learn about additional Virginia data, including: 

• Local counts and rates for TB for 2025. 

• The 2025 fact sheet about TB in Virginia.  

• Annual reports, fact sheets, and local data prior to 2025. 

World TB Day reminds us that ending TB is achievable and that we all have a role to play.  We can learn the symptoms, encourage others to seek medical care, help reduce the stigma around the disease, and advocate for awareness and resources. By increasing awareness, we can move closer to ending TB and building healthier communities for all. 

Learn More  

• VDH Tuberculosis 

 

World Doula Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to kick off World Doula Week.  VDH is using this opportunity to recognize the professionals who assist women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and to highlight our program to certify Doulas in Virginia. 

What is a Doula? 

Doulas are trained professionals who provide guidance through childbirth or other reproductive health experiences, including miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth. In recent years, the term “doula” has also been applied to professionals who support people through non-pregnancy related health experiences such as death (end-of-life doulas). 

Doulas are birth companions who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth and in the postpartum period. They may also act as an advocate, supporting the woman’s right to make health decisions regarding her own body and the baby. Unlike partners, family members, or friends who may be present during birth, doulas have a formal training in birth support. Doulas are not medical professionals because they are not trained to provide medical treatment, but they are a critical part of the patient’s care team.  

What are the benefits of having a doula present during childbirth? According to statistics, doula support is associated with: 

• shorter delivery times 

• fewer C-sections and birth complications 

• fewer analgesic and epidural requests 

• less time in the NICU  

• more satisfying birth experiences, and 

• increased breastfeeding.  

The support of a doula also increases new parents’ confidence in taking care of the newborn. 

What is VDH’s Doula Program? 

VDH manages Virginia’s State-Doula Certification Program.   A State-Certified Doula is a trained, community-based nonmedical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant woman. They will provide support throughout pregnancy, at labor and delivery, and after the pregnancy.  A Virginia State-Certified Doula must be approved by the Virginia Certification Board (VCB). 

 

Learn more about Virginia’s State-Doula Certification Program. 

On World Oral Health Day, VDH wants to remind everyone that good oral health is more than having a bright smile. 

About Oral Health 

Oral health refers to health of the teeth, gums, and related structures. Having good oral health can affect our ability to eat, speak, smile, and connect with others. 

Oral health is vital to the management and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness as well as overall wellness. 

You aren’t really healthy without good oral health! 

 Some of the most common diseases and conditions that impact our oral health include: 

• Cavities (tooth decay) 

• Periodontal (gum) diseases 

• Oral cancers 

• Tooth loss 

Steps for Good Oral Health 

The good news is that most oral diseases and conditions are preventable.  

Simple daily habits can make a big difference:  

• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.  

• Floss daily.  

• Get a dental check-up and professional cleanings at least once a year.   

• Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugary drinks and foods. 

• Avoid tobacco products. 

Oral Health and Chronic Conditions 

Oral health is a key part of our overall health and well-being as it’s linked to a variety of chronic conditions: 

• Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugars. Diabetics are three times more likely to have gum disease than non-diabetics.  

• Heart Disease: Periodontal patients are 1-2 times more likely to have a heart attack. Bleeding with brushing is not normal and is often the first warning sign of a serious problem.  

• Lung Disease/Breathing Problems: Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, making lung disease worse and increasing the risk of pneumonia.  

• Stroke: The fatty blockages in the arteries of stroke victims contain the same bacteria that is found in the mouth.  

• Pregnancy: Pregnant people who have gum disease are seven times more likely to have premature or low birthweight babies.  

• Oral Cancer: Many cancers and viruses can be detected early by signs and symptoms in the mouth. 

Oral Health for Everyone 

Unfortunately, many Virginians face barriers accessing oral health care. Some people face barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, transportation, or too few providers in their community.   

In Virginia: 

• 31% of adults do not have dental coverage. 

• Only 27% of practicing dentists treat Virginians enrolled in Medicaid or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, and public insurance programs for people who have low incomes or disabilities.  

• 13 Virginia localities have fewer than one full-time dentist 

• This includes eight localities with no full-time dentist 

Programs like VDH’s Dental Health Program can help by providing dental screenings, treatments, and education to those facing barriers to care.  

When everyone has access to quality oral healthcare, we can all smile bigger.  

Learn More 

Learn more about oral health at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/. 

 

 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more than just a bump on the head. It’s an injury that affects how the brain works and can lead to short- or long-term health problems. 

TBIs may be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a penetrating injury to the head (such as from a gunshot). 

Some injuries are mild, like a concussion. Others are moderate or severe injuries that may require hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. 

Common causes of TBIs include: 

• Firearms 

• Falls 

• Motor vehicle accidents 

• Being hit (sports injuries, assaults) 

Falls are especially important to highlight because they account for a large share of TBI-related hospitalizations. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries in Virginia 

In 2024, Virginia had almost 6,000 hospitalizations for TBI.  

 Older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from a TBI compared with other age groups. TBIs may also be missed or misdiagnosed in older adults because symptoms can overlap with other conditions that are more common with aging, including dementia. If an older adult falls—especially if they hit their head or are taking blood thinners—getting checked by a healthcare provider is a smart and often time-sensitive step. 

Concussion 

A concussion is a mild type of TBI that changes the way the brain normally works.  

A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. It can also be caused by a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.  

It’s important to know that a concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness. 

Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Symptoms generally improve over time. Most people with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. 

Common concussion symptoms can include: 

• Headache 

• Balance problems or dizziness   

• Nausea/Vomiting (especially early on) 

• Sensitivity to light or noise   

• Blurred vision or double vision   

• Feeling “dazed”, sluggish, foggy or groggy   

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering   

• Sleep changes (sleeping more/less, trouble falling asleep)   

• Mood changes (feeling irritable, sad, nervous or more emotional 

• Trouble thinking or concentrating 

• Will not stop crying and are inconsolable (children only) 

• Will not nurse or eat (children only) 

With proper care, most people can return to work, school, and other activities within a few days or weeks, but some people will have symptoms for months or longer. Follow-uping up with a healthcare provider is critical if symptoms linger. 

When to seek emergency care (Danger Signs) 

Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if someone has a bump/blow/jolt to the head and then develops danger signs such as:  

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away 

• Repeated vomiting 

• Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, seizures/convulsions 

• Slurred speech or unusual behavior (confusion, agitation, inability to recognize people/places) 

• One pupil larger than the other 

• Increasing drowsiness, inability to wake up, or loss of consciousness 

Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference 

 Everyday steps can help reduce the risk of brain injury: 

In vehicles 

• Wear a seat belt every trip and use the correct car seat/booster for children 

In sports and recreation 

• Wear a properly fitted helmet for biking and sports where helmets are recommended. 

• Follow safety rules and learn the signs and symptoms of concussion.  

Preventing falls—especially for older adults 

• Make the home safer (remove tripping hazards, add handrails/grab bars, improve lighting). 

• Stay physically active to maintain strength and balance. 

• Review medications with a provider (some can increase fall risk). 

• Keep vision prescriptions up to date. 

Learn More 

• VDH Traumatic Brain Injury site  

• Virginia Injury Violence Data 

• CDC Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion site  

• CDC Heads Up to Brain Injury Awareness page  

• Brain Injury Association of America’s About Brain Injury page 

World HPV Awareness Day is a day to talk about the human papillomavirus (HPV).  It’s a time to clear up myths and remind people that many HPV-related cancers are preventable.  With the tools we have, preventing HPV-related cancer is possible, with awareness as the first step. 

About HPV 

HPV is spread through close and intimate skin-to-skin contact.  Roughly 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. 

Most people who have HPV have no symptoms and are unaware they have it.  This is because HPV infections often clear up on their own. 

HPV and Cancer 

However, some HPV types can cause cancer. There are more than 200 types of HPV, with about 12 types being linked to cancer.  Each year in the United States, an estimated 36,500 men and women are diagnosed with a cancer caused by an HPV infection.  

Protection Against HPV 

The good news is that we have safe and effective tools to help prevent cancer caused by HPV.  

HPV Vaccine 

One of the best cancer prevention tools we have is the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers from ever developing.   

The HPV vaccine works best when given well before exposure to the virus. 

• The HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 to 12 years of age. Vaccination can also start as early as 9 years of age.  

• The HPV vaccine produces the strongest immune response in preteens. 

• In Virginia, 3 out of 4 thirteen-year-olds are vaccinated with at least one dose of HPV. 

• People aged 26 years and younger who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to get the vaccine.   

• Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.   

• The HPV vaccine is available for free through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program for eligible children ages 9-18 years old. 

Screening for HPV  

• Screening for HPV is another safe and effective tool for preventing HPV related cancer however it is not available for all cancers caused by HPV.  

• Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening can include HPV and/or Pap tests.   

• A healthcare provider can help determine which screening test is best and how often a woman should get screened.   

• Eligible women can get free screenings through the Every Woman’s Life Program. 

Research is still being done on HPV tests for other parts of the body. People with concerns about other HPV-related cancers should talk with a healthcare provider.  

Other Prevention Steps   

• Practice Safer Sex 

• • Limiting the number of sex partners and avoiding sexual activity with people who have had many other sex partners can help lower your risk of exposure to HPV.  

• • Use a barrier method (condom or dental dam) during sex. This can reduce (but not eliminate) the chance of HPV spreading.   

• If you smoke, stop or cut back if you can. Smoking exposure significantly increases cervical cancer risk.   

More Information  

• HPV – American Cancer Society 

• VDH HPV Vaccine Webpage 

• Every Woman’s Life Program   

What Is Colorectal Cancer? 

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum. These two parts of the large intestine helps your body digest food and remove waste.  

Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths called polyps (small tissue). Polyps can slowly turn into cancer over many years if not found and removed. 

Rising Rates in Younger Adults 

Colorectal cancer is most common in older adults. In Virginia, it’s the fourth most common diagnosed cancer.  

However, rates are increasing in younger adults too. Rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50 have been rising over the past 20 years. Studies show incidence rates increasing by around 2 to 3 percent per year in younger adults.  

Don’t Ignore the Signs and Symptoms 

In early stages, colorectal cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms. But as it grows, symptoms may include: 

• A change in bowel habits that last more than a few days. This can include diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool (poop). 

• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood. 

• Blood in the stool that might make the stool look dark brown or black. 

• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain. 

• Weakness and fatigue. 

• Unintended weight loss. 

• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one. 

Reduce Your Risk with Healthy Habits 

There is no way to completely prevent cancer, but you can help reduce your risk by: 

• Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight 

• Eating a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains 

• Limiting the amount of red and processed meats you eat 

• Not smoking and limiting alcohol 

Catch It Early with Screening 

Screening tests can detect cancer early and often finds polyps before they turn into cancer.  Treatment works best when cancer is detected early. 

People at average risk should begin screening at age 45.  People with symptoms or who have a family history should talk to a healthcare provider about getting screened earlier. 

There are multiple screening options, the two most common include: 

• Stool tests you do at home every 1-3 years  

• Colonoscopy in a medical setting every 10 years 

Colorectal cancer can be serious, but paying attention to symptoms and getting screened can save lives.   

Learn More 

• Colorectal Cancer –  American Cancer Society 

• Colorectal Cancer – CDC 

• Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia 

February is Children’s Dental Health Month. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants to remind families and communities about the importance of teaching young children good dental habits. Healthy teeth help children eat, speak, learn, and feel confident. 

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is most the common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Luckily, it’s one of the easiest conditions to prevent.  

Healthy Habits = Healthy Smiles 

Parents, guardians, and caregivers can assist children develop healthy habits by: 

• Brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. 

• Helping your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  

• Asking your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate. Applying dental sealants to the back teeth prevents 80% of cavities.  

• Drinking fluoridated tap water when possible. 

Heathy Smiles for Everyone 

Communities also play an important role in increasing access to dental care. Some families face barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, transportation, or too few dentists in their community. Programs, like VDH’s Dental Health Program, can help by providing dental screenings, sealants, and community-based education to those facing barriers to care.  

Children’s Dental Health Month is a reminder that dental health matters for every child. By starting good dental habits early, we can make sure every child has a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.  

Learn More 

Learn more about oral health for children at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/