December 21, 2018
Outbreaks of Gastrointestinal Illness More Prevalent This Time of Year
The Fairfax County Health Department is seeing an increase in cases of gastrointestinal illness in the community and is reminding people to stay home when sick and for 24 hours after getting better, and to practice good handwashing to prevent further spread.
Gastrointestinal viruses, like norovirus, spread from person-to-person. The most common symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, and body aches. more>>
December 18, 2018
Thomas Jefferson Health District to Launch New Clinic Schedules in 2019
(Charlottesville, Va.) — Beginning January 1, 2019, Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) health departments will offer new clinic hours.
The biggest change in clinic hours will happen at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department. The usual Friday afternoon walk-in Sexual Health Clinics will be moved to Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. These clinics will remain available for walk-in visits and provide testing for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on a first come first served basis. more>>
November 21, 2018
Lord Fairfax Health District Warns of Possible Hepatitis A Risk
(Winchester, Va.) — The Lord Fairfax Health District issues the following alert: A food handler at Apple Mountain Exxon at 4774 John Marshall Highway, Linden, VA 22642 has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. As a result, persons who ate made to order food prepared in the deli such as deli sandwiches from this location from November 11 through November 20 may have been exposed to hepatitis A. more>>
November 13, 2018
Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department to Offer a Free Safe Food Handling Class
(Charlottesville, Va.) – In an effort to help community members learn how to safely prepare and serve food, the Thomas Jefferson Health District’s (TJHD) Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department will host a free Safe Food Handling Classes on Monday, November 19, 2018, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The class is for anyone who shops, prepares, or serves food to the public, including foodservice industry workers – chefs, cooks, servers – and anyone who cooks and serves food at festivals, fairs, farmers markets, schools, faith-based organizations, and civic groups. Each class covers the same material. more>>
November 13, 2018
Free Event to Help Smokers Quit on November 15
(Charlottesville, Va.) — On Thursday, November 15, the Tobacco Free Community Coalition (TFCC) is celebrating the Great American Smokeout (GASO) by hosting a free lunch event from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center to help smokers quit and save money. At each of the events, attendees will experience and learn about different strategies for quitting smoking, receive a survival toolkit,” and get personalized help with creating a quit plan. Free food, door prizes, and giveaways will also be available. No registration is needed and people can drop in any time during the event. more>>
October 30, 2018
New Green & Healthy Homes Initiative grant supports continued efforts to improve pediatric asthma in the Greater Richmond Region of Virginia
(Richmond, Va.) – The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is one of six recipients selected from around the United States by the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) to receive funding and technical assistance services for Pay for Success project development through a Social Innovation Fund award from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). more>>
October 30, 2018
Thomas Jefferson Health District Launches Sexual Health Testing Media Campaign
(Charlottesville, Va.) – In response to increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) has launched a multi-media campaign that encourages people to get tested for STIs. Campaign advertisements will run through December 1, 2018 (World AIDS Day) and will include social media, digital, radio, and print advertisements throughout TJHD, which includes the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson Counties. more>>
October 23, 2018
Lord Fairfax Health District Holding Election Day Flu Clinic
Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Skyline High School
(Winchester, Va.) — Election Day and cooler weather are signs that fall is here! Can flu season be far behind? The Lord Fairfax Health District is offering free flu shots at an upcoming flu clinic as a way to deal with flu season. Getting a flu shot every year is the single best way to prevent the flu. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. you can get a free flu shot as part of an emergency preparedness exercise at Skyline High School, 151 Skyline Vista Drive, in Front Royal. more>>
October 15, 2018
Southside Health District Offers Free Flu Vaccine
(DANVILLE, Virginia) – The Southside Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special dispensing clinic Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mary Bethune Complex, 1030 Cowford Road, Halifax, VA. more>>
October 15, 2018
Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at Greene County Point-of-Dispensing Exercise
(Stanardsville, Va.) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff will once again test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Greene County this Thursday, October 18, 2018. The exercise will be held at the Nathanael Greene Elementary School, 8094 Spotswood Trail, in Stanardsville, Va., on Thursday, October 18th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Flu shots are available at no cost to anyone who is at least three years of age. Shots will be administered on a first come first served basis. more>>
October 5, 2018
Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Free Vaccinations and Health Information at Health Fair
Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. – noon at Bethel Baptist Church
(Fredericksburg, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) will offer a variety of free vaccinations, including free flu shots, at a Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. until noon at Bethel Baptist Church located at 1193 White Oak Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. more>>
October 1, 2018
Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department to Offer ServSafe Manager Certification Course and Exam
(Charlottesville, Va.) – To help meet the local demand for Virginia’s new regulation requiring certified foodservice managers, the Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) will facilitate a 2-day ServSafe manager certification course and exam on Monday, October 22, 2018, and Monday, October 29, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This course is facilitated in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and meets the requirements for new food regulations under Virginia Code Section 12VAC5-421-55 Section. more>>
September 27, 2018
Health Department Offers Free Flu Vaccination Clinics in October
Clinics scheduled at Two Schools on Two Thursdays
(Culpeper, Va.)— Getting a flu vaccine is the single best way to protect against the flu. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District will offer free flu shots at two locations this October. The free walk-in clinics will be held on the following Thursdays in October:
- Thursday, October 11, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Madison High School, 68 Mountaineer Lane, Madison, VA
- Thursday, October 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Eastern View High School, 16332 Cyclone Way, Culpeper, VA
September 25, 2018
Working Toward a Healthier Tomorrow: Share Your Opinion on Public Health Issues
Community Health Survey will Guide Future Efforts
(Greater Prince William Area, Va.) —Residents in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park are asked to take a few minutes to complete a brief health survey online at livehealthynova.org. The survey answers will help provide a better picture of what the Greater Prince William community feels are some of the most critical issues our residents face. The Community Healthcare Coalition of Greater Prince William will use the results to identify services in need of improvement and to develop strategies to improve health in our communities. more>>
September 20, 2018
Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at State Fair
Saturday, Sept. 29 – Flu Shot Clinic Starts at 10 a.m.
(Fredericksburg, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District will offer free flu shots on Saturday, Sept. 29, beginning at 10 a.m. during the State Fair of Virginia at the Meadow Event Park. The flu clinic will take place in the Farm Bureau Center Exhibition Hall on Festival Loop. Only 500 doses of vaccine will be available, and will be offered to anyone 12 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis until 7 p.m. or until the supply of flu shots runs out. more>>
September 13, 2018
Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department Clinic Schedule Changes Thursday through Monday
(Charlottesville, Va.) — Due to emergency preparedness and response efforts for Hurricane Florence, the Thomas Jefferson Health District’s (TJHD) Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department will not hold regularly scheduled clinics starting Thursday, September 12, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. through Monday, September 17, 2018. more>>
August 28, 2018
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) & West Nile Virus (WNV)
(Chesapeake, Va.) — A horse in the Chesapeake Health District was recently diagnosed and died because of eastern equine encephalitis. As a precautionary measure, we are providing you informational material that can serve as a guideline in implementing protective measures against West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). more>>
August 15, 2018
Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department to Offer Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics
(Charlottesville, Va.) — To help families prepare for the new school year, the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department is offering three walk-in (no appointments necessary) back-to-school vaccine clinics this month. more>>
August 1, 2018
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Borne Diseases such as West Nile Virus
Residents Reminded to Empty Standing Water and Protect Against Mosquito Bites
(Richmond, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health reminds residents in the Richmond Metro Area to protect themselves and their families against mosquitoes. Recent heavy rains due to seasonal weather systems in central Virginia are leaving standing water, and that means more breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Mosquito bites are not just red and itchy; they can also transmit diseases, such as West Nile Virus. more>>
August 1, 2018
Prince William Health District Advises Taking Steps to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Residents Reminded to Empty Standing Water and Protect Against Mosquito Bites
(Prince William County) – With summer comes mosquitoes that bother us during our outdoor activities. The Prince William Health District (PWHD) reminds everyone that mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika. PWHD offers information and suggestions on how to protect yourself and your family from the bite of these pests, and the diseases they carry. more>>
July 31, 2018
Lord Fairfax Health District Warns Residents of Rabid Cat in Maurertown
Seek Help Immediately if You Were Exposed
(Winchester, Va.) — The Lord Fairfax Health District is notifying the public of a rabid cat found on the south end of Maurertown. On Friday July 27, 2018, at least three persons in or near the Hillview Subdivision in Maurertown, Va., were attacked by a black cat which was found to be infected with rabies. Known attacks occurred specifically on Nikita Drive and nearby Old Valley Pike. The cat has been captured and euthanized, and no longer poses a threat, but anyone who believes they had contact with this cat, especially if bitten, scratched, or licked by it, should immediately report to the nearest emergency room. more>>
July 30, 2018
Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Gun Locks for Safety
Owners Encouraged to “Lock Guns 4 Loved Ones”
(Warrenton, Va.)— Since 2007, gun-related fatalities have remained one of the top three methods of unnatural death in Virginia. In the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District’s recently completed Community Health Assessment, residents identified preventing gun violence as a community concern. more>>
July 13, 2018
Every Woman’s Life Program Offers Free Cancer Screening Services
(Fredericksburg, Va.) — The Mary Washington Hospital Foundation recently awarded the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) a 6-month, $13,032 grant for RAHD’s Every Woman’s Life (EWL) Program to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast and cervical cancer. The EWL program is a public health initiative that helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduce death rates, improve treatment options and generally increase survival. more>>
July 13, 2018
Orange Health Department Holding Back to School Vaccine Clinic
(Warrenton, Va.)— The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is hosting a free school vaccine clinic at the Orange Health Department July 20 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. The focus is on preventing meningitis (meningococcal disease) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer. Other school vaccines will be provided as appropriate. more>>
July 3, 2018
Lord Fairfax Health District Warns Residents of Rabies Risk
(Winchester, Va.) — Within the past three weeks, two foxes captured within Winchester City limits have tested positive for rabies, according to the Lord Fairfax Health Department. “While the captured foxes pose no further threat, they may have infected animals in and around the city,” says Lord Fairfax Health District Director Dr. Colin Greene. “To prevent rabies, avoid interactions with wild animals, and keep your animals vaccinated.” more>>
June 22, 2018
Lord Fairfax Health District Offers Hepatitis A Vaccines at No Cost to the Patient Protect Yourself, Your Partner, and Your Family
(Winchester, Va.) — Hepatitis A is a serious infection of the liver that can be prevented by a vaccine. Lord Fairfax Health District provides Hepatitis A vaccine at all five of its clinic locations. Patients can walk-in, without an appointment during business hours to receive the vaccine. Although we do bill insurance, the vaccine is offered at no cost to the patient. more>>
June 18, 2018
Rabies Warning: Bat Sighted in Pass Mountain Hut
Health Officials Say Some Hikers May Need Treatment
(Winchester, Va.) — The Lord Fairfax Health District is notifying any hikers who spent the night of Thursday, June 7 through Friday, June 8, 2018 in the Pass Mountain Hut that it is possible that they may have been exposed to rabies. more>>
June 8, 2018
Local Health Departments Expand Services to Now Offer Birth, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates
(Charlottesville, Va.) – To help provide easy access to important vital records that document life events, local health departments in the Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) have expanded services from providing just death certificates to now also providing certified copies of birth, marriage, and divorce certificates. more >>
April 10, 2018
Lord Fairfax Health District Provides Free Rescue Medication for Opioid Overdoses
(Winchester, Va.) — Opioid abuse has severely affected Virginia, and the Lord Fairfax Health District wants to enable more community members to reverse overdoses and help save a life. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a fast-acting, safe and easy-to-administer nasal spray that can provide lifesaving temporary reversal of effects in opioid overdoses. more>>
January 31, 2018
Grant to Help Fund Maternity Program
Mary Washington Hospital Community Benefit Fund Awards $100,000 Grant to the Rappahannock Area Health District
(Fredericksburg, Va.)— In January 2018, the Mary Washington Hospital Community Benefit Fund awarded the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) a $100,000 grant for its “Complicated Obstetrical and High Risk Maternity Care Program.” more>>