See News Releases from Previous Years
January 23, 2026
Holding Ground on Maternal Health
Chesapeake Health District Delivering Hope on Maternal Health Awareness Day, January 23
CHESAPEAKE, Va.– The Chesapeake Health Department renews its commitment to protecting mothers and supporting healthy families before, during, and after pregnancy. Through preventative services, access to care, and postpartum support, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) can help address issues such as high blood pressure, substance use, mental health, and chronic conditions to make pregnancy and the postpartum period safer and healthier for all families. more>>
January 23, 2026
Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Urge the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm
WISE, Va. – A significant winter storm is expected to impact our community this weekend. The storm will arrive as snow Saturday afternoon and pick up overnight Saturday into Sunday continuing through the day. An increase in sleet/freezing rain potential will complicate the forecast. The increased freezing rain probabilities amplify the concern for power outages. The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts urge everyone to prepare now to keep you and your family safe, warm and healthy during this storm. more>>
January 21, 2026
Central Shenandoah Health District Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm
STAUNTON, Va. – The Shenandoah Valley is expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, to include snow and ice this coming weekend. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) urges you to prepare now to keep you and your family safe, warm, and healthy during this storm. more>>
January 22, 2026
Stay Safe During Winter Weather: 5 Steps to Prepare
FAIRFAX, Va. – With extremely cold temperatures and the possibility of snow accumulation in the forecast, now is the time to prepare for Winter Storm Fern. Taking proactive steps today will help keep you and your loved ones warm, healthy, and injury-free when the snow begins to fall. more>>
January 22, 2026
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares Two Ways You Can Prevent Cervical Cancer
January Marks Cervical Health Awareness Month
WARRENTON, Va.– Cervical cancer is highly preventable, yet thousands of women die from it each year in the United States. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District encourages you to take two simple steps to prevent cervical cancer. Vaccination and screenings help save lives. more>>
January 22, 2026
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond City and Henrico County are expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, including snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) urge you to prepare now to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe, warm and healthy during this storm. more>>
January 20, 2026
Rappahannock Area Health District Reports Rabies Case for Raccoon in the City of Fredericksburg
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) is notifying community members residing near the vicinity of the 900 block of Sylvania Avenue in Fredericksburg of a raccoon that was collected on January 15, 2026; it has tested positive for rabies. This raccoon has a known exposure to a dog in this area, and no human exposures have been reported at this time. more>>
January 20, 2026
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm
WARRENTON, Va. – The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health district is expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, to include in addition to the very cold temperatures this week, there is a high probability (60-80%) for moderate winter storm impacts over much of our area on Sunday January 25, 2026. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District urges you to prepare now to keep you and your family safe, warm and healthy during this storm. more>>
January 20, 2026
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papilloma virus (HPV) causes more than nine out of every 10 cases of cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination. more>>
January 16, 2026
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell City
HOPWELL, Va. – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus near Norton Street in Hopewell, VA. The Hopewell Health Department/Crater Health District and the Hopewell Animal Service Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals. more>>
January 15, 2026
Alexandria Health Department Shares Community Health Improvement Planning Updates and How All Community Members Can Get Involved
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As we kick off 2026, Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and the Partnership of Alexandria (PHA) are sharing progress made on the 2025-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and inviting residents to join the work. Based on the recent Community Health Assessment, the City’s next Community Health Improvement Plan will focus on three areas: Mental Wellness (city-wide), Landmark/Van Dorn neighborhood, and Arlandria neighborhood. more>>
January 15, 2026
Students Shine in Public Health Youth Ambassador Competition
FAIRFAX, Va. – Ten Fairfax County Health Department Youth Ambassadors (PHYA) traveled to Georgetown University to present their community health projects to faculty members of the School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine on Monday, January 12. The program marked the final competition for students from Justice and Mount Vernon High Schools who participated in the Youth Ambassador program during the fall semester. more>>
January 13, 2026
Alexandria Health Department Releases 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Public Health Progress Despite Funding Cuts, Measles, and More
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is proud to share the AHD 2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of resilience and ongoing commitment to making Alexandria a healthier place for all. The report details how AHD responded to disruptive challenges this year including sudden funding cuts, staff losses, disease outbreaks, and safety concerns in our communities. more>>
January 12, 2026
Jenkins Foundation awards Chesterfield Health District with a Grant
Funds support one community health worker
CHESTERFIELD, Va.– The Jenkins Foundation awarded Chesterfield Health District with a grant to fund one community health worker (CHW) in the North Chesterfield/Route 1 corridor. more>>
January 12, 2026
Alexandria Health Department Shares Details of Northern Virginia Measles Exposures
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is advising residents about potential exposures to measles in northern Virginia. more>>
January 9, 2026
Respiratory Illnesses Are High in Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District
Health Officials Say It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated
WARRENTON, Va. – Respiratory virus activity is high and increasing, particularly for RSV, Flu viruses in Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District. Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinate. Vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations during peak season. more>>
January 8, 2026
Respiratory Illnesses Are High in the Central Shenandoah Health District
Health Officials Say It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated
STAUNTON, Va. – Respiratory virus activity is high, particularly for the flu, in the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD). Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations during peak season. more>>
January 7, 2026
Virginia Cancer Registry Releases Cancer Cluster Investigation Report
GATE CITY, Va. – Virginia Department of Health’s Virginia Cancer Registry (VCR) has released its Scott County pediatric cancer investigation report. The report indicates that cancer rates did not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of a cluster, based on the cases included in the 2014-2023 analysis. more>>
January 7, 2026
New Year, New You: The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages a New, Healthier You in 2026
WARRENTON, Va. – Ring in the New Year and focus on becoming healthier. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions by offering simple, sustainable habits for a year of health and wellness. more>>
January 5, 2026
New Year, New You: Rappahannock Area Health District Encourages a New, Healthier You in 2026
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Ring in the New Year and focus on becoming healthier. The Rappahannock Area Health District wants to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions by offering simple, sustainable habits for a year of health and wellness. more>>
January 5, 2026
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Test Their Homes for Radon
January is National Radon Action Month
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. January is National Radon Action Month. more>>
January 2, 2026
Flu and Respiratory Illnesses Rise in Alexandria - Tips to Stay Healthy
ALEXANDIRA, Va. – Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is reporting a rise in influenza (flu) illness in Alexandria. The number of flu-related emergency department visits in Alexandria more than tripled over the last two weeks of December 2025, according to the Virginia Department of Health. With this rise in flu and other illnesses, AHD recommends that people take added precautions to stay healthy and stop the spread of germs. more>>
January 2, 2026
Central Shenandoah Health District Reports Rabid Raccoon in Staunton
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds its community members to keep their pets vaccinated for rabies after a raccoon collected Monday 12/29/25 in the City of Staunton tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was collected from a residential area (West of Thornrose Cemetery, between Gypsy Hill Park and West Beverley Street). There are currently no known human exposures to the raccoon. more>>