March 20, 2025
Cumberland Plateau Health District Issues Recreational Water Advisory
LEBANON, Va. – The Cumberland Plateau Health District recommends that people and pets avoid contact with a portion of the Levisa River and Slate Creek located in Buchanan County due to an ongoing sewage overflow from sewer mains that were damaged by recent flooding. Activities to repair the sewer mains are ongoing, weather permitting. more>>
March 20, 2025
Cumberland Plateau Health District Offers In-School Vaccination Clinics
LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. more>>
March 20, 2025
LENOWISCO Health District Offers In-School Vaccination Clinics
WISE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders in Lee, Scott, and Wise counties and the City of Norton this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. more>>
March 17, 2025
Central Shenandoah Health District Holding In-School Spring Vaccination Clinics for Middle and High Schoolers
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders within Staunton City, Waynesboro City, and Augusta County Public School Districts this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. more>>
March 14, 2025
Central Shenandoah Health District Holding In-School Spring Vaccination Clinics for Middle and High School Students
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders within Staunton City, Waynesboro City, and Augusta County Public School Districts this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. more>>
March 13, 2025
Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Norfolk Highlands Neighborhood
CHESAPEAKE, Va. – The Chesapeake Health Department recently received a report from Chesapeake Animal Services (CAS) regarding an encounter between a raccoon, a dog, and a local resident. The incident occurred on March 6 on Hazel Avenue in the Norfolk Highlands area of Chesapeake. Testing confirmed the raccoon was rabies positive. The dog was vaccinated, and the resident is currently undergoing post-exposure medical attention. more>>
March 13, 2025
Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Announce Release of 2025 CHA Findings for Community Comment
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) are excited to share the initial draft of the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) for community feedback. The CHA provides a thorough examination of community health needs and identifies resources to address those needs. This assessment covers the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. more>>
March 10, 2025
RHHD Encourages Severe Weather Awareness
RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making preparations for severe weather. March and April are traditionally the most active months for tornadoes in Virginia and Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 10 – 14. more>>
March 6, 2025
RHHD Highlights Women’s Health Services for International Women’s Day
RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8 by highlighting services for women offered at RHHD clinics, offices, and Resource Centers. more>>
March 5, 2025
Rabies Update in Central Virginia Health District
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Central Virginia Health District is providing an update on the occurrence of rabies in the district, which includes the City of Lynchburg and Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties. Since January 1, 2025, the district has received reports from the state laboratory that four animals have tested positive for rabies. The rabid animals include two raccoons, one skunk and one dog. The rabid skunk was found in Lynchburg and the other three animals were found in Bedford County. In 2024, the district had 31 cases of rabies in animals, with at least one rabid animal in each of our five localities. more>>>
March 3, 2025
Health Equity Fund Announces Open Application Period
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Health Equity Fund (HEF) is now accepting applications for its 2025 funding cycle. The application period will remain open until March 30, 2025. more>>>
February 24, 2025
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Expand PrEP Program
RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the expansion of its pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). more>>
February 21, 2025
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Report Rabies Case in Raccoon in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. — In order to protect the health of residents and visitors, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) is issuing a notice that a racoon found in the area around the 8600 block of Chippenham Road has tested positive for rabies. more>>
February 21, 2025
Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood
Any Wells Submerged Due to Flooding are at Risk
WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering free test kits for individuals who have residential private drinking water wells impacted by the recent flooding in Southwest Virginia. Any well submerged during the recent flooding event is likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage. more>>
February 20, 2025
West Piedmont Health District Names New Director
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Penny Hall has been selected to lead the West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) as director and began serving in that capacity on January 25. WPHD is one of 35 local health districts within the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and encompasses the counties of Franklin, Henry and Patrick and the City of Martinsville. more>>
February 18, 2025
Crater Health District Conducts Long COVID Study
PETERSBURG, Va.- Beginning February 18, 2025, the Crater Health District (CHD) will launch a study on Long COVID to determine its prevalence among residents and understand its impact on daily life. Long COVID is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19, and is present for at least 3 months. The goal of the study is to evaluate the impact of Long COVID on daily activities and identify any unmet resource needs of those affected in the community. more>>
February 18, 2025
LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods
WISE, Va. – The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. The health department reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date. more>>
February 18, 2025
Virginia Department of Health Closes Portion of the James River to Shellfish Harvesting
RICHMOND, Va. –The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced an emergency closure of portions of the James River to shellfish harvesting due to significant river flooding. Because floodwaters can be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses, shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure will be unacceptable for consumption. The temporary emergency closure will be effective from February 20 to March 1, 2025. more>>
February 6, 2025
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Lynchburg
LYNCHBURG, Va. – After an altercation between an adult skunk and a domestic dog, the Lynchburg Health Department has received confirmation that the skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk was in the vicinity of Simsbury Lane in the Forestdale Subdivision. The health department has investigated this situation according to its protocol and there is no further risk associated with this particular incident. more>>
February 6, 2025
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell
HOPEWELL, Va. – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a cat has tested positive for the rabies virus near Princess Anne Street in Hopewell, VA. The Hopewell Health Department and Hopewell Animal Services Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals. more>>
February 4, 2025
RHHD & RPS Collaborate to Provide In-School Immunization Clinics
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) are partnering to offer in-school immunization clinics in February and March. RPS families with 6th and 11th graders are encouraged to sign the RPS-provided consent form and schedule an appointment so that their student can receive the required immunizations ahead of the traditional Back-to-School season. These clinics will offer the tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and the meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine as well as provide information about where to get the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). Please visit rvaschools.net/schools-office/health-services for more information. more>>
January 30, 2025
Mount Rogers Health District Highlights Achievements in 2024 Annual Report
MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, spotlighting a year of significant progress in improving community health and well-being across its eight localities. The report underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to addressing pressing public health challenges while fostering collaboration with community partners. more>>
January 30, 2025
Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Protects the Peninsula from Emergencies and Disasters through National “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition Program
HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts have been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region. more>>
January 29, 2025
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Make
Regular Primary Care Appointments
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts reminds community members of the importance of regular primary care appointments. Resources are available for individuals without insurance coverage. “Connecting with a primary care provider is essential for families, especially those with young children, as it ensures regular health monitoring, vaccinations, and preventive care,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Child Health Advisor Becca Bruhl. “A trusting relationship with a primary care provider allows for coordinated care, chronic disease management, and timely support for both physical and mental health concerns.” more>>
January 27, 2025
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer
RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer. more>>
January 27, 2025
Blue Ridge EMS Council Welcomes its New Critical Incident Stress Management K-9, Billie, to Report for Duty
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – The Blue Ridge EMS (BREMS) Council, a regional EMS Council under the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of EMS, is thrilled to welcome its newest team member Billie, a highly trained yellow Labrador Retriever who officially began her service as a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) K-9 on January 13, 2025, at Campbell County Public Safety. Billie will play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders in the region, which includes Appomattox, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and the City of Lynchburg. more>>
January 16, 2025
Prince William Health District Reminds Residents the Community Health Assessment Survey is Still Open
MANASSAS, Va. – The Prince William Health District (PWHD) in collaboration with the Community Healthcare Coalition of Greater Prince William (Coalition) is reminding residents that the Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey is still open to all residents aged 15+ and will remain available online until February 28, 2025. The anonymous survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. PWHD wants to ensure that your voices are heard! more>>
January 9, 2025
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Prince George
PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus near Arwood Road in Prince George, VA. The Prince George Health Department and Prince George Animal Control encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals. more>>
January 8, 2025
RESCHEDULED: Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Free Flu Vaccine Clinic
DANVILLE, Va. – Due to the potential for hazardous winter weather this weekend, the free flu clinic originally scheduled for Saturday, January 11, at the Habitat Restore in Danville has been rescheduled. Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will continue to partner with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity to provide free flu vaccines on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Habitat Restore, 2805 Riverside Drive, Danville. For any questions regarding this rescheduled event, please call (434) 766-9887. more>>
January 6, 2025
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Provide Guidance for City of Richmond Boil Water Advisory
RICHMOND, Va. – Effective Monday, January 6, the City of Richmond, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory until further notice for residents served by the City of Richmond’s water system. This includes all residents in the city of Richmond. It is urgent that impacted residents take conservation steps immediately and boil water before consuming it. more>>
January 3, 2025
Rabid Raccoon Reported in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. – A raccoon in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The juvenile raccoon was found in a marsh area along the river bordering the 3500 block of Granby Street on December 29, 2024. The raccoon was reported ill and was euthanized and sent to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond for testing. It was reported positive for rabies on January 2, 2025. There are no known exposures associated with this raccoon; however, if you have been bitten or scratched by a raccoon in this area, please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712. more>>