Tag: highlight

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: 

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

1. 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. 

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

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

1. 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/. 

Why do we need black maternal health week? 

Black Maternal Health Week is held every year to increase awareness about issues facing Black women in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.  It is an opportunity to share information about specific health concerns that impact black maternal health and promote information about the interventions and resources available to those women. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy” means intentionally working on equitable outcomes for Black women by improving laws, programs, and the places where people live, while celebrating Black women’s worth, life, and future. This week, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will celebrate the great work done by our staff and our community partners as we work together to ensure healthy birth outcomes for Black women across the Commonwealth. 

While there are risks for women of all races and ethnicities to experience poor health outcomes associated with pregnancy, data show that women of color, and their babies, experience poor outcomes at a higher rate than women of other races.  

At VDH, we collect and study different kinds of health information related to pregnancy and birth.  This helps us understand which groups or regions may be experiencing poor health outcomes at a higher rate than others.  We use this data to develop programs that can: 

• Make things better for families  

• Inform our partners and communities 

• Explain what programs and actions are working well  

• Help support changes to laws and rules 

We hope this data is useful and will help ensure that all women in Virginia can have the healthiest pregnancy outcomes possible, for themselves and their babies. 

What insights do the data show? 

Related to maternal health, VDH collects and keeps track of important health data to better understand how mothers are doing during pregnancy and after giving birth.  Click on the links below to explore the data we collect: 

• Maternal Mortality (deaths while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of a pregnancy) 

• Pregnancy-Associated Deaths (a death during or within one year of pregnancy) 

• Severe Maternal Morbidity (includes a list of 21 unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery) 

• Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (data based on the experiences of women during and just after pregnancy) 

More information, including explanations of the data collected can be found on the VDH Maternal and Child Health data dashboard. Black women consistently show higher rates of poor health outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth compared to other races.  

• Black women are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes 

• Black women face more than double the rate of serious health complications 

Poor health outcomes also extend to the infants born to black mothers. We observe that Black infants experience higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight and infant death compared to other races and ethnic groups.            

Contributing Factors 

Poor maternal health outcomes and poor pregnancy outcomes can be explained by several reasons.  They include differences in access to healthcare and also how Black women experience healthcare.   

We know that in Virginia, 31% of the counties are considered to be “maternity care deserts.”  This means that these areas do not have enough healthcare resources to meet the needs of their residents. Additionally, many Black women may also experience issues such as: 

• Lack of culturally competent care, or implicit bias or racism in their care 

• Lack of dependable transportation 

• Lack of access to stable housing or good nutrition 

• Insurance instability 

• Lack of care coordination  

However, these barriers alone do not fully explain the differences in maternal health outcomes. Data show that even when comparing women with similar income levels or health behaviors such as smoking, racial disparities persist. You can read more about this data on VDH’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data webpage. 

Solutions 

Up to 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Through partnerships with community organizations and programs at our local health districts, VDH has established programs to support pregnant women and targeted outreach initiatives for Black women. VDH’s Maternal Health Resource Hub showcases many of the resources we have for families and pregnant or postpartum women, including both information and direct support such as: 

• Home Visiting programs 

• Doulas and Community Health Workers 

• Maternal Mental Health resources 

• Breastfeeding support 

• Substance Use support 

VDH’s Maternal Health Resource Hub also contains links to our data and resources for both healthcare providers and community organizations who want to learn more and support Black women and their families. We encourage policymakers, program managers, community leaders and members to also use this information to develop solutions to improve maternal health outcomes. 

VDH and its local health districts have also established effective programs in their communities to address the factors that cause racial disparities and impact on Black maternal health outcomes.  These include: 

• Providing grants to organizations to expand perinatal health hubs across the state, which provide community-based wraparound support and services to pregnant and postpartum women, and their infants. 

• Maternal and Child Health services in VDH’s local health districts, through coordination and community engagement.  

• Through this program our local health districts support families by hosting community baby showers, building partnerships with birthing hospitals, expanding the doula workforce, and offering home visiting, car seat safety, and safe sleep education. 

• From July 1-December 31, 2025, these programs: 

• • provided 14,238 individuals with services such as care navigation, health education, screening and community outreach.   

• • made 2,845 referrals to social and clinical services, including Women, Infant, and Children (WIC), mental and behavioral health services, insurance coverage, and transportation.   

• • provided 4,041 perinatal individuals with education during a postpartum visit,  

• • provided 1,015 perinatal providers with education on Local Health District-specific perinatal resources.   

• The Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program provides nutrition education, lactation support, supplemental food, and critical referrals to more than 105,000 moms, babies, and children up to the age of 5 in Virginia. 

• VDH’s Moms Under Pressure program provides blood pressure monitoring and peer support for pregnant and postpartum moms at 25 sites throughout Virginia. 

For more information 

Browse VDH’s Maternal Health Website for links to our data and additional Maternal Health resources. 

Follow along on our social media platforms this month to learn more about the programs and resources VDH offers. 

The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Preparedness (OEP) launched its 2026 Community-Based Emergency Response Series (CBERS) program. CBERS is a statewide tabletop exercise series designed to strengthen Virginia’s readiness for large-scale emergencies. The first session kicked off last week, bringing together partners from emergency management, public health, public safety, healthcare, social services, behavioral health, and public information. 

In today’s complex emergency landscape, major incidents often require multiple disciplines to work together under intense pressure. This year’s CBERS program focuses on the intersection of mass casualty, mass care, and mass fatality operations. Three areas that must align seamlessly during catastrophic events. 

During this one-day session, participants: 

• Heard directly from field partners about real-world capabilities and challenges, 

• Took part in scenario-based discussions, and  

• Examined the operational, logistical, and ethical issues that arise when these response domains converge.  

The program emphasizes interagency coordination, resource management, crisis communication, and integrated operations. 

Upcoming CBERS Sessions 

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• Thursday, May 7 – Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave 

• Friday, May 8 – Germanna Community College, Culpeper 

• Tuesday, May 12 – Holiday Inn Roanoke Conference Center, Roanoke 

• Thursday, May 14 – Southwest VA Higher Education Center, Abingdon 

• Tuesday, May 19 – Chesapeake Regional Healthy Lifestyle Center 

• Thursday, May 21 – Peninsula Health Department, Newport News 

• Thursday, May 28– Virginia Department of Social Services, Fairfax 

• Wednesday, June 3 – Dinwiddie Community Enhancement Center 

VDH’s OEP welcomes all partners across the response community to join us at an upcoming session and help strengthen Virginia’s preparedness for complex emergencies. To register, sign up on TRAIN, Course ID# 1133604. 

For more information, please visit the CBERS website. 

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.