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IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 15, 2026 

VDH Media Contact: Cheryle Rodriguez cheryle.rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov 
DBHDS Media Contact: Lauren Cunningham, lauren.cunningham@dbhds.virginia.gov

Virginia Launches “Beyond the Blues” Campaign to Raise Awareness of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression 
Campaign helps Virginians recognize emotional changes earlier, reduce stigma and connect parents and families to support.  

(RICHMOND, Va.) — In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month in May, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), announced the launch of Beyond the Blues, a statewide public awareness campaign designed to help Virginians better understand perinatal & postpartum depression and maternal mental health.  

The General Assembly allocated $553,200 for the campaign and development on an online resource hub. It was created to help parents, families, healthcare providers and communities recognize that maternal mental health struggles are common, treatable and often show up in ways people may not expect. Symptoms can include physical aches and pains, feelings such as anxiety, numbness, rage, fear, sadness, or simply “not feeling like themselves.” These experiences can happen before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after birth or long after a baby arrives. 

“Maternal mental health determines a parent’s ability to care for their family and themselves,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. “When we support parents through programs like Beyond the Blues, we create more stability for children and help prevent challenges from becoming emergencies. 

Seventy-five percent of women affected by postpartum depression and maternal mental health issues do not get the help they need. Recognizing the symptoms can be part of the challenge. The campaign is designed to help make those early signs easier to recognize and talk about. It also emphasizes community responsibility and how partners, family members, friends, faith leaders, healthcare providers, neighbors and local organizations can provide support.   

“Support often begins with the people closest to a parent,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “You don’t have to be an expert to help. If you notice something, you can ask, listen without judgment, and help them take that next step.”   

“As we all work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, conversation and connection is key,” said DBHDS Commissioner Daryl Washington, LCSW. “Starting that conversation with a friend or loved one experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy or after birth can make an important difference in their lives and help assure them that they are not alone in this journey.”  

Beyond the Blues campaign materials will encourage parents to seek support and equip community networks with plain-language tools for starting conversations. Healthcare providers and community messengers will also be encouraged to use compassionate, nonjudgmental language and offer clear next steps for help. An online resource hub is available to make maternal mental health information more accessible for parents, community partners, local health districts and trusted organizations. Focus areas include: 

• Current information on perinatal and postpartum depression and other maternal mental health conditions 

• Directing people to Postpartum Support Virginia, which provides a directory of mental health providers specializing in perinatal care and offers care coordination services 

• Information on support groups and other state and national resources  

• Shareable materials and a Beyond the Blues awareness campaign toolkit for partners 

• An opportunity to share your experience with postpartum depression or other mental health issues during pregnancy or the postpartum period 

For more information and resources, visit vdh.virginia.gov/beyond-the-blues.  

About the Virginia Department of Health 

The Virginia Department of Health protects the health and promotes the well-being of all people in Virginia. VDH works with communities, healthcare partners and public health leaders across the Commonwealth to prevent disease, promote healthy environments and ensure access to information and services that support healthier lives.  

About the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) seeks to promote dignity, choice, recovery, and the highest possible level of participation in work, relationships, and all aspects of community life for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities or substance-use disorders. DBHDS operates 12 state hospitals and centers and partners with 40 locally run community services boards and thousands of private providers statewide. For more information, please visit www.dbhds.virginia.gov, and find DBHDS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube 

As of May 7, 2026, please see the Virginia Department of Health’s statement:

• The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring this situation closely and has been in active communication with our federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• To date, one Virginia traveler who was on the MV Hondius disembarked the ship and has returned home. This person is currently in good health and is under public health monitoring. To protect the privacy of this person, no further details will be shared about this individual.
• Our understanding is that fewer than 30 U.S. Citizens were on board the ship. A small number (<5) of other potentially exposed Virginians might be identified in the days ahead.
• We will maintain communication with travelers, local health departments, and federal partners, and will continue to implement recommended public health actions. Generally speaking, we believe the risk to the general public to be low.

Learn more: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/hantavirus/

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State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb sat down with CNN to share some important information about hantavirus. Check out the interview below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 1, 2026
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 Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24. The person traveled internationally and is an out of state resident. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

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

• Dulles International Airport (IAD): in Concourse B, on transportation between the concourse and baggage claim, and in the baggage claim area between 10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 and 1:30 a.m. Friday, April 24.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

• Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
  • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
  • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
• People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department promptly to discuss any questions they might have. If you have already completed the above survey, your local health department will reach out to you to provide recommendations if additional actions are needed.
• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
  • 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.
  • The most likely time you would become sick would be between April 30 and May 15.
  • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

General Measles Information

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 14 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 at high risk of developing measles if they are exposed. 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 date in 2026, Virginia has 21 reported cases of measles. For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

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Virginia Department of Health Launches First Perinatal Health Hubs to Support Families Across the Commonwealth
 Four community-based sites expand support for mothers, babies, and families  

(RICHMOND, Va.) —  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced the launch of the first-ever Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program, marking a major step forward in strengthening care for Virginia families before, during, and after childbirth. Four organizations have been selected to serve as the program’s inaugural Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program.  

• Rockbridge Area Health Center, Lexington, VA 
• Child Development Resources, Inc. Williamsburg, VA 
• Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA 
• Strength in Peers, Inc Harrisonburg, VA

Working together, these sites will serve as community anchors for a new, innovative model of maternal and infant care—one designed to better support families during pregnancy and throughout the critical first year of a child’s life.  

The perinatal health hubs pilot program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve health outcomes by expanding access to coordinated, community-driven care. Each hub will customize its services to specific local needs, including an implementation plan, with contracts running through June 2027.   

“Every family in Virginia deserves strong support throughout pregnancy and during that critical first year for mom and baby,” said Virginia State Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “These Perinatal Health Hubs will help us work with our partners to ensure families get the comprehensive, culturally responsive care they need.”  

At the heart of the hubs is a diverse, collaborative workforce focused on closing gaps in pre- and post-natal care so families will gain increased access to essential services.  The hubs provide vital support to the community, perinatal health providers, and hospital systems through their access to a diverse workforce. The hubs’ variety of services include access to:  

• Doulas 
• Community Health Workers 
• Peer support specialists 
• Birth workers  
• Perinatal specialists

By connecting providers, hospitals, and community organizations, the hubs are designed to create a seamless network of support—helping families navigate care with greater confidence and continuity.  

The bold initiative reflects strong statewide interest in innovative maternal health solutions. VDH received applications from organizations across Virginia during the competitive process, which ran from October 31 to December 1, 2025. A review committee made up of public and private partners evaluated proposals based on organizational capacity, community engagement, project quality, data planning, and long-term sustainability.  

More than 40 organizations applied, reflecting an exceptional level of interest and a strong, forward-looking vision for communities across the Commonwealth. The quality of submissions was outstanding, highlighting both innovation and a clear understanding of evolving community needs. While only four great projects were granted due to limited resources, the opportunities outlined by our applicants speak to future needs of our communities in caring for our families.  Grantees were selected with consideration for regional representation. The pilot program is supported by State General Funds allocated through Chapter 725 of the 2025 Virginia Acts of Assembly. The General Assembly dedicated $2.5 million dollars over two years to establish and fund a minimum of three pilot sites across Virginia. Eligible applicants included private non-profit or for- profit organizations that deliver direct services to pregnant and postpartum families. Government organizations were not eligible.   

As the program moves forward, VDH and its partners will closely track outcomes, gather data, and identify best practices—laying the groundwork for potential expansion and long-term improvements in maternal and infant health across Virginia. 

RICHMOND, VA— Governor Abigail Spanberger today signed a package of bipartisan legislation — commonly known as the Momnibus — to improve and expand healthcare coverage for Virginia mothers and families, particularly women who face the highest risks. Read full news release>>

(RICHMOND, Va.) — As spring arrives and the weather warms up, tick activity increases around Virginia. Increased tick activity means that Virginians need to be aware of the risks that ticks can pose to people.   

“As a physician, this is the time of year when I’d start seeing patients come in with tick-borne illnesses — often beginning with a rash, but sometimes leading to serious, life-altering conditions,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “Here in Virginia, we know this risk is real. The good news is that prevention is within our control — simple steps like using repellent and checking for ticks can make a meaningful difference. As more people head outdoors, building those habits into our routines is one of the best ways to protect our health.”  

There are several illnesses that ticks can spread in Virginia, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Alpha-gal Syndrome. Some ticks begin seeking a source of food – you – as soon as the temperature gets above freezing. Now is when you should be mindful of their presence and begin taking precautions to prevent bites.   

Ticks are typically found in shady, moist, humid areas, specifically in tall, brushy vegetation and leaf litter in and around wooded areas. Anyone who spends time outside should be aware of ticks and take precautions. Farmers, foresters, and others who spend lots of time outside should be particularly vigilant. Farmers should also regularly check their animals for ticks.   

“After contracting Alpha-gal Syndrome from a tick bite in 2022, I’ve experienced firsthand how life-altering tick-borne illnesses can be. This condition significantly changed my daily routine and is a constant reminder that tick prevention is a necessity, not an option,” said Charles Green, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “For our farmers, foresters, and families who spend their lives outdoors, taking appropriate preventive measures is a simple but vital step to protect your long-term health.”  

The VDH tick website has information for people on how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you are bitten by a tick. If a person is bitten by a tick, VDH can also provide tick identification assistance through our Virginia Citizen Tick Survey at no cost.  

The best way to avoid tickborne illnesses is to prevent tick bites. 

• While you’re outdoors, use an EPA-registered insect repellent as your first line of defense against ticks. You may consider: 

• Using permethrin to treat clothing or gear, which will provide protection even after several washes. Spray it on your clothing several days in advance so it can properly dry. You should never wear clothes that are still wet from permethrin spray, and do not apply to the skin. 

• Using repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin.  

• Always remember to follow instructions on the product label. If using products on children and their clothing, take additional precautions to make sure those products are safe for use. 

• Ticks can climb up your shoes and socks. Tucking your pant legs inside your socks makes it harder for ticks to crawl high enough to reach your skin, making it easier to remove them before they bite. Wearing light colored clothing can also help you to spot ticks more easily. 

• After you’ve been outdoors, check your body and clothing for ticks. 

• Tumble dry your clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks. 

• Use a mirror, or with the help of a friend, partner, or spouse, check your body for ticks, paying close attention to your armpits, groin, in and around the ears, hairline, navel, and the backs of the knees. 

• Once you’ve cleared yourself of ticks, check any children, pets, and outdoor gear.

You’ve taken all the precautions you can to avoid getting bitten by a tick, but what should you do if a tick has bitten you? Follow these steps to properly and safely remove the tick. 

• Step 1: Use a tweezer to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin. 

• Step 2: Pull upward, with steady and even pressure, until the tick releases. Try to avoid breaking mouthparts of the tick or rupturing the tick’s body. 

• Step 3: After you’ve removed the tick, clean the bite area with soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. 

• Step 4: Save the tick in a bag or sealed container with rubbing alcohol for later identification if you develop an illness in the days or weeks after the bite. 

• You can also mark on your calendar the date of the tick bite!

If you start to feel sick or if an unusual rash develops at the site of the tick bite, you should consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.  

Many of the diseases caused by tick bites can be serious, but tick bites can be prevented through simple, common-sense steps which all Virginians can take. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 9, 2026
Media Contact: Maria Reppas, Maria.Reppas@vdh.virginia.gov

VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being

RICHMOND, Va. – Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the next State Health Improvement Plan, also known as the Virginia Plan for Well-Being (VPfWB). The comprehensive plan serves as a data and community-driven roadmap to improve health outcomes, advance equity and ensure that all Virginians live in conditions that allow them to thrive. This second version of the VPfWB builds on best-practice models. The 2025–2029 VPfWB focuses on six key priority areas identified through statewide data assessment and community input, including:

• Infant mortality,
• Firearm-related deaths,
• Obesity,
• Mental health,
• Drug overdose and substance use disorder, and
• Housing, transportation and economic stability.

These priorities reflect the most pressing health issues and preventable drivers of poor health outcomes in Virginia identified by our community. In launching this milestone plan – centered on what is most important to Virginians’ health – we will reconvene the partnership to engage on strategies designed to create lasting impact.

“Achieving the shared goal of making Virginia the healthiest state in the nation requires a comprehensive approach focused on effective strategies to enhance individual and community health,” said Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. “Virginia’s hospitals and health systems are actively engaged in efforts to reduce infant mortality rates, address behavioral health needs, enhance access to care, and support the communities they serve so people can live healthy, safe, and productive lives. Those ideals are central to the mission of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative, and we are proud to be part of this important work.”

The VPfWB reflects a collaborative effort across public health, healthcare and community partners. PHV collected data to better understand the health of Virginians. The assessment helps stakeholders and partners understand why some people are healthy and others are not. The plan will serve as a blueprint for targeted action driving meaningful change and improving health outcomes across Virginia.

“Our health isn’t just shaped in hospitals and clinics. It is also forged in the places where we’re born, grow, live, learn, eat, play and pray,” said Virginia State Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “If we understand why some people live long and healthy lives while others do not, we can be more strategic in developing actions and policies to address these challenges.”

At its core, the VPfWB is a commitment to advancing health equity. The plan recognizes that health outcomes are shaped by long-standing differences in access to resources and opportunities. It prioritizes reducing disparities and ensuring that all Virginians have the opportunity to achieve optimal health by:

• Addressing social determinants of health including housing, transportation and economic stability.
• Reducing disparities in health outcomes such as infant mortality, chronic disease and access to care.
• Strengthening community partnerships and elevating community voice.

The plan is designed to deliver measurable progress across the state by:

• Clearly defining goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Using data to track progress over time.
• Aligning with local and regional health improvement efforts.
• Ongoing evaluation to ensure strategies and metrics are effective.

This structured approach ensures that partners can adopt the plan and track outcomes, adapt strategies, and collectively work toward improved health indicators. VDH will work with partners to implement these important priority areas by establishing working groups that will align work with priority areas, strengthen partnerships and provide opportunities for ongoing stakeholder feedback. During the implementation phase VDH and its partners will focus on translating strategy into action, ensuring that the plan drives real, measurable improvements in communities across Virginia.

All Virginians are encouraged to take simple, meaningful steps to support their health and well-being, including staying up to date on check-ups and vaccinations, prioritizing mental health, and making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and staying active. Families can support healthy starts for children by accessing prenatal care and following safe sleep practices, while communities can help prevent substance misuse by promoting awareness and safe medication practices.

Virginians are also encouraged to get involved locally by participating in community health improvement efforts, supporting community organizations, and advocating for equitable access to resources like healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities. Organizations, stakeholders, and partners play a critical role by aligning programs and investments with the VPfWB priorities, using shared data and metrics to guide decision-making, collaborating across sectors to address root causes of health disparities, and engaging communities in the design and implementation of solutions. Together, these collective actions will drive measurable improvements in health outcomes and help build a healthier Virginia for all.

For more information and resources about the VPfWB, visit VirginiaWellBeing.com. The site provides detailed information about the plan and how you can help us make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation.

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Virginia Department of Health Celebrates National Public Health Week
National Public Health Week is April 6-12  

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is recognizing National Public Health Week, April 6-12, by highlighting the critical public health work of VDH and its partner agencies. Virginia’s public health workers are reflecting on why they serve, while focusing on the future of public health and its impact on communities across Virginia. 

This year’s national call to action asks communities to renew their commitment to improving health outcomes. The theme, “Ready. Set. Action!” emphasizes assessing progress in public health and taking the next steps toward a healthier future.  

“During National Public Health Week, we’re reminded that the most powerful data we have isn’t in a chart or a dashboard; it’s in the lived experiences of the people we serve,” said Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “When we take the time to truly listen, we build the trust that is the foundation of public health. And with that trust, we can show up for Virginia’s communities in the ways they need and deserve.” 

For nearly 400 years, public health has made its mark by overseeing programs and services designed to improve the health of Virginians. In 1610, the Jamestown Colony enacted the first sanitation regulations. Since then, public health work has expanded. VDH provides hundreds of programs, services and resources, covering all aspects of public health. The agency and its 35 local health districts serve more than 8.8 million Virginians in areas that include family health, environmental health, disease prevention, emergency preparedness and vital records.  

VDH invites you to take a moment to recognize how public health has improved the lives of Virginians by protecting the health and promoting the well-being of all Virginians. To learn more about VDH programs, follow VDH on Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.