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Crash Responder Safety Week is November 17-21, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. — As proclaimed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, November 17–21 is Crash Responder Safety Week in Virginia, observed in alignment with the nationwide effort to recognize the critical work of emergency responders and the dangers they face while managing roadway incidents. The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) joins partners across the Commonwealth and the nation in raising awareness and promoting safer conditions for those who protect motorists on our roadways.

Drivers play a critical role in keeping crash responders safe. All motorists are urged to stay alert, slow down, move over into another lane when possible, avoid distractions, and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Virginia’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or, if unable to do so safely, reduce their speed when approaching vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside.

“Safer roadways are in the hands of every driver on the road,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “This week is a reminder to slow down, move over, pay attention, and follow directions when approaching roadway incidents. All of us want to get to our destinations safely.”

Crash responders include EMS providers, firefighters, law enforcement, tow operators, medical examiners, and transportation personnel who all play pivotal roles in ensuring the safe and efficient clearance of roadway incidents.

According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, between 40 and 50 crash responders have been tragically killed nationwide while working roadway incidents over the last ten years. Struck-by-vehicle fatalities represent the majority of these deaths, which occur during traffic stops, crash responses, or while providing roadside assistance.

“Through my experience serving as an EMS provider, I understand the serious risks first responders face when working on busy roadways,” said VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay. “During Crash Responder Safety Week, we must remember the importance of roadway safety and give our responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.”

“Behind every flashing light, there is an emergency responder who has someone waiting for their safe return home,” said Office of EMS Director Maria Beermann-Foat, PhD. “Crash Responder Safety Week reminds us that scene safety starts with every driver at every incident — slow down, move over, stay alert, and help us protect those who protect you.”

Roadway incident safety depends on the protective actions taken by responders and the responsible behavior of drivers. Crash responders undergo specialized Traffic Incident Management training to alert the public, guide traffic safely around the scene, and minimize risk to both responders and motorists.

Remember, when you see flashing lights, stay alert, move over, and slow down. Together, we can build a culture of safety on Virginia’s roadways by taking these precautions and increasing awareness.

To learn more about the VDH’s Office of EMS, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/.

Virginia’s “VA Rural Vitality” plan will expand access, strengthen the workforce, and modernize care delivery across rural communities.

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Virginia has submitted its application for $1 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation funding under H.R. 1, which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Commonwealth’s proposal — VA Rural Vitality — presents a bold, locally-driven plan to modernize health care delivery, expand the workforce, and improve outcomes across rural Virginia.

Developed under Executive Directive Twelve and led by Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly, VA Rural Vitality reflects extensive input from communities and providers across the Commonwealth, as well as research on national best practices to deliver lasting change in rural health.

“Our VA Rural Vitality plan takes bold action to ensure every Virginian – no matter their zip code – can access high-quality care close to home,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This $1 billion investment will strengthen our workforce, expand innovative care models, and deliver the tools communities need to live healthier, more productive lives. I want to thank President Trump and his administration for their collaboration and commitment to transforming rural health care and building a stronger, healthier Virginia for generations to come.”

Four Initiatives Driving Rural Health Transformation

The plan centers on four initiatives designed to empower healthier lives, strengthen the workforce, reimagine care delivery, and accelerate innovation.

Through VA Rural Vitality, Virginia will:

• Empower healthier lives: Launch incentive-based programs and technology-driven tools that help Virginians prevent and manage chronic conditions.
• Grow our own workforce: Build local health pipelines through high schools, community colleges, and universities to train and retain the next generation of rural health professionals.
• Rewire care delivery: Expand hybrid and mobile care models, connect rural providers to larger health systems, and develop sustainable payment structures.
• Invest in innovation: Deploy advanced technologies, including AI-powered tools, to improve access, coordination, and patient outcomes.

Once funding is awarded, the initiative will be implemented through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The Commonwealth will also work alongside hospitals, health systems, federally qualified health centers, food banks, and health technology partners to drive measurable impact statewide.

“This plan reflects the voices of rural Virginians,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “From Chincoteague to the Cumberland Gap, we listened to Virginians who want their health care to improve — and VA Rural Vitality directly responds to their needs with innovative, community-based solutions.”

“We are proud to submit a plan that not only addresses today’s needs but builds a foundation for lasting rural health improvements for generations,” said Cheryl Roberts, DMAS Director. “We look forward to the work ahead with partners across the Commonwealth to deliver this transformational change.”

“Every region of rural Virginia has a role in this work,” added Dr. Karen Shelton, VDH State Health Commissioner. “By connecting care, strengthening the workforce, and supporting healthier lifestyles, we can increase local access to quality care and transform outcomes across the Commonwealth.”

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make Rural Health Transformation awards by December 31, 2025. More information on Virginia’s application can be found at https://www.hhr.virginia.gov/initiatives/rural-health/.

Background 

Rural communities across Virginia face some of the most significant health disparities in the nation:

• Nearly 55% of rural localities are in Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas.
• 63% of Virginia counties lack an OB-GYN, and 22% of rural residents travel over 40 minutes to reach a labor and delivery unit.

• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension all exceed national averages.

• Substance use disorder affects 17% of rural adults and 9% of youth aged 12–17.

Governor Youngkin’s administration has made historic progress improving behavioral health, reducing fentanyl deaths by 59%, and cutting maternal deaths by 49%. VA Rural Vitality builds on that momentum with a comprehensive strategy to make rural Virginia healthy again.

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is implementing the newest updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization schedule. Updates were made to the COVID-19 and the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine recommendations.  

COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC schedule advises the use of “individual-based decision making” (or shared clinical decision making) when deciding to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 6 months and older. This type of decision-making is informed by a decision process between a patient or parent/guardian and a health care provider, including pharmacists. Now that the CDC has published its immunization schedule and included the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, people ages 6 months and up may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their healthcare provider; and people ages 3 years and older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in Virginia without a prescription.  

The COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at many pharmacies throughout the Commonwealth; some physicians’ offices also stock the updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. You may also check with your local health department office; you can find its location by using this locator map. Please call ahead to ask if your selected provider setting meets your needs, as different settings may only serve certain age groups or have certain hours for appointments. 

MMRV Vaccine: CDC no longer recommends the use of the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV) for children under the age of 4, regardless of parental preference. This is already consistent with common practice in Virginia. Most MMRV vaccines are administered to children 4 years of age and older. Children under the age of 4 should receive MMR and varicella vaccines separately. The first dose of each of these vaccines is recommended to be given at 12 to 15 months of age.  

The CDC recommendation for the second dose of the MMR and varicella vaccines has not changed. The second dose for each of these vaccines is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age. Children ages 4 years and older can receive either the combined MMRV vaccine or MMR and varicella vaccines separately. 

Standing Order: With the CDC updated schedule now in place, the Virginia State Health Commissioner’s Standing Order issued on September 10, 2025, is no longer necessary and will be revoked, effective October 10, 2025. 

The State Health Commissioner issued the standing order to bridge the gap for COVID-19 vaccine access until the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations were adopted by the CDC on October 7. The standing order ensured that Virginians could access the COVID-19 vaccine uninterrupted, if they so desired. 

Additional Tools: VDH has several online tools to look up complete immunization records, including the new, customer friendly MyIR Portal.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 16, 2025
Media Contact: Cheryle Rodriguez, PIO, Cheryle.rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov

Meet “Chip”: Virginia’s New Alligator Mascot on a Mission to Tackle Hidden Lead Hazards

The Virginia Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program introduces a friendly reptilian messenger to help families spot and prevent dangerous lead exposure in their homes.

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has unveiled a creative new public education campaign featuring an unexpected messenger: an alligator mascot named Chip. Aimed at helping families recognize and reduce lead hazards in their homes, Chip brings a friendly, memorable face to an important safety message.

Lead was banned from household paints and water pipes decades ago, but the risk of exposure hasn’t disappeared. Many homes across Virginia still contain lead hazards that can pose serious health risks, especially for young children.

“Lead can have severe and lasting effects on a child’s health and development,” said Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Coordinator Ashley Koski, MPH. “It is often invisible, and symptoms of lead exposure aren’t always obvious. Therefore, many families do not realize they have been exposed until they have been tested.”

Look for Alligator-ing

While lead can be difficult to detect, cracked lead-based paint often has a scaly texture that resembles alligator skin. This is when it becomes hazardous, as chipped, peeling paint can turn into paint chips or dust. It’s commonly found on porches, stair railings, windowsills, and doors, especially in homes built before 1978.

Old paint chips are one of the most common sources of lead exposure because lead can flake into dust, settle on surfaces, and be breathed or swallowed. Other sources include lead-contaminated soil, aging plumbing, and some imported toys or jewelry.

Intact lead-based paint that is in good condition generally does not pose an immediate risk, but it can become dangerous if it deteriorates or is disturbed.

Understanding and Recognizing the Risk

There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Even small amounts can affect a child’s learning, behavior, and physical development. That’s why testing and prevention are so important.

Families with young children, especially ages one and two, are at greater risk for exposure and should ask their health care provider about a lead test. Children on WIC or Medicaid and those living in or regularly spending time in older homes should be tested. Further, children who are newcomers to the United States or those who have a parent with a lead-related hobby or occupation are at greater risk of being exposed. A full list of criteria for children at greater risk can be found at VDH.Virginia.gov/LeadSafe.

“Recognizing the risk is the first step to protecting your child,” Koski said. “We hope that by raising awareness about what to look for, more parents will feel empowered to talk with their child’s doctor about whether their child should be tested for lead.”

How to Reduce Your Risk

Simple ways to reduce the risk of exposure include:

• Regularly cleaning floors and surfaces using wet methods
• Washing children’s hands, toys, and bottles often
• Preventing children from playing in bare soil
• Removing shoes before entering the home
• Preparing nutritious meals high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C
• Using cold tap water for cooking and drinking
• Keeping paint intact and undisturbed

Parents who are concerned about potential lead exposure should talk to their health care provider about testing.

For more information about lead and lead poisoning, visit VDH.Virginia.gov/LeadSafe.

Virginia Department of Health Issues Statewide Standing Order for Pharmacies Regarding 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine 

(RICHMOND, Va.) — On September 10, Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, signed a new statewide standing order for pharmacies in Virginia to facilitate accessibility for pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.   

As authorized by Virginia Code § 54.1-3408 (I), this standing order will allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine to Virginians 65 years of age and older and to Virginians between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age with at least one underlying medical condition without a prescription.  

“We realize this has been top of mind for many Virginians in the past several days,” Dr. Shelton said, “and we are resolved to increase access to the updated formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Virginians.”  

In Virginia, pharmacists may administer vaccines in two ways: either under the direct authorization of a medical provider or by following the Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s statewide pharmacy protocols. These statewide pharmacy protocols permit pharmacists to administer vaccines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedule. Currently, the CDC schedule references the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine formulation, but it does not yet include the 2025–2026 formulation, which is anticipated to better match the strains expected to circulate this season.   

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18-19, 2025. VDH anticipates that ACIP will vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines at this meeting.   

The CDC Director, or Secretary of Health and Human Services, is then authorized to endorse or approve the recommendation with or without changes.   

Patients between the ages of 18 and 64 without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 3, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Confirm Measles Case in Eastern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s fourth measles case of the year. The patient is a school age child (5-12 years) in the Eastern Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential public exposure sites in Virginia:

• Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) Health Center and Urgent Care at Loehmann’s Plaza, located at 3960 Virginia Beach Blvd in Virginia Beach Wednesday, August 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• CVS Pharmacy, located at 300 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach Thursday, August 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• CHKD Emergency Department/Hospital, located at 601 Children’s Lane in Norfolk
  • Emergency Department: Saturday, August 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Hospital: from Saturday, August 30 at 6 p.m. to Monday, September 1 at 6 p.m.

For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions they might have.
• Everyone should watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can contact their local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov.

• Virginia Beach residents may contact the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health at 757-278-6290.
• Norfolk residents may contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2735.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 19, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Tuesday, August 12. The confirmed case is a resident of another state. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below is the date, time, and location of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Tuesday, August 12: in the main terminal, at the TSA security checkpoint, in Concourse B, and on transportation from the main terminal to Concourse B between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions they might have.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact their local health department.

To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – July 25, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Offers Safety Tips to Beat the Heat
Extreme Temperatures Return to Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – As Virginia gets blasted with another heat wave over the next few days, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds everyone to take steps to avoid heat-related illness.

During these hot summer months, heat-related illnesses are a real concern. So far this year (May 1 to July 24), there were 2,883 heat-related illness visits to emergency departments (ED) and urgent cares in Virginia. June 2025 recorded more visits than any previous month since tracking began in 2015, spiking on June 24 with 249 ED and urgent care visits in a single day.

“Extreme heat can make you very sick,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “We saw significant increases in emergency visits for heat-related illnesses in late June when temperatures and humidity surged. With the forecast calling for similar weather over the next few days, we urge everyone to be careful and take precautions. If your plan to beat the heat includes pool or beach time, please keep a close eye on children. We have seen a concerning rise in child drowning deaths this year.”

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Your body sweats to cool itself. But when you sweat, you lose water and electrolytes. You must replace them to continue regulating your body temperature and keep it functioning properly. Age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol, sunburn, and prescription drugs can also play a factor in how quickly your body can cool itself.

You can help your body stay cool with these tips:

• Drink water and plenty of it. Hydration is important. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. You need to replace the water you lose sweating.
• Stay inside. Being indoors offers air conditioning and a break from the heat. Don’t have AC? Visit 211 to find a cooling center near you. Before heading outside, check out the HeatRisk Forecast or the CDC Heat and Health Tracker. Know the difference between heat watch and heat warning.
• Limit physical activity to early morning or evening. Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Outdoor workers can prevent heat illness with acclimatization. To acclimatize, workers gradually increase their exposure time in hot environmental conditions over a seven- to 14-day period.
• Wear sunscreen. Protect your body from the sun by wearing sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Reapply every two hours. Wear loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat for protection.
• Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
• Check on others. Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and know what to do. It could save a life. If someone has hot, red skin, a rapid, strong pulse, a body temperature of 103°F or higher, or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

In 2024, extreme heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths. To date, Virginia has had one heat-related fatality this year.

Keep these tips in mind for a cool and healthy summer. Remember that your local health department can be a resource for summer safety.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 17, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Encourages Families to Take the Pool Safely Pledge
Commonwealth Continues to See an Increase in Small Children Drownings in Pools

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging parents and caregivers to take the Pool Safely Pledge (en Español) as the Commonwealth continues to see a concerning rise in accidental drownings among children under the age of five in swimming pools.

Pool Safely is a national public education campaign led by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to help prevent child drownings and entrapments in pools and spas.

The pledge – available for both adults and children – takes less than a minute and reinforces simple, life-saving safety practices.

The adult pledge includes commitment to:

• Designate a water watcher every single time children in their care are in or near the water.
• Make sure their kids know how to swim.
• Learn CPR.
• Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use.
• Ensure all permanent pools have a proper fence and gate and anti-entrapment drain covers.

The children’s pledge includes reminders to:

• Never swim alone.
• Ask their parents to sign them up for swimming lessons.
• Stay away from drains in the pool or hot tub.
• Have fun and always follow these safety steps in and around the water.

To date, eight children under age five have accidentally drowned in Virginia pools in 2025, an increase from the last three years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022.)

“The tragic rise in drowning deaths of young children demands that we all become extra vigilant about pool safety,” said VDH Chief Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Services Susan Fischer Davis, MD. “Have fun at the pool – but always be alert to risks, especially with young children.”

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. From 2022 through 2024, an estimated average of 6,300 children under age 15 years were treated annually in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) for nonfatal drowning-related injuries. Seventy-three percent of those children were under age five.

In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days. Drownings happen quickly – often silently. Take action now. Take the Pool Safely Pledge today and commit to protecting your family this summer.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 26, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Sees Increase in Drownings in Children Under 5 in Swimming Pools
Health Officials Urge Parents and Caregivers to Take Precautions

RICHMOND, Va. – With great sorrow, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that six children under the age of five have tragically lost their lives to swimming pool drownings in Virginia since Memorial Day. Swimming season has just started, and these six drowning fatalities exceed Virginia’s total for the number of fatalities for young children for each of the last three years. The Virginia Department of Health urges parents and caregivers to take precautions with children in or near swimming pools or other bodies of water.

“We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

In the last three years, Virginia had a total of nine pool drownings in children under five years old – three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. But drownings aren’t limited to small children. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 500 people accidentally drowned in Virginia. Nearly a fifth of them were under the age of 19.

Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Parents and caregivers can take the following precautions to help keep children safe in and around pools:

• Active Supervision: Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, or standing body of water. When supervising children who are near the water, adults should be free from distractions.
• Swim Lessons: Teach children basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children, even those who’ve had swimming lessons, still need close and constant supervision in or around water.
• Learn CPR: Bystander-initiated CPR can make the difference in someone’s life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
• Approved Safety Devices: Floaties, water wings, pool noodles and inner tubes are toys. These air-filled or foam toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. Only use S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Barriers and Alarms: Install barriers and alarms to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
• Avoid Swimming After Dark: Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is drowning.
• Listen to the Lifeguard: Make sure to listen to any directions from the lifeguard and follow all advisories. But remember a lifeguard does not replace the need for active supervision of any children in and around the water.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!

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