December 20, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STRESSES TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON
(Richmond, Va.) As schools let out for the winter break and families visit loved ones near and far, children may be spreading more than just holiday cheer. An increase in reports of influenza and norovirus in schools underscores the importance of preventing the spread of illness this holiday season. Additionally, it’s not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. The circulating strains of flu are a good match to those included in this year’s vaccine. more>>
November 16, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OPENS A PORTION OF THE LOWER JAMES RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that the Lower James River and Lynnhaven River will be opened for shellfish harvesting effective November 19, 2012. The Nansemond River will remain closed to shellfish harvesting due to a sewer line break in its headwaters during Hurricane Sandy. more>>
November 14, 2012
Virginia Department of Health Recognizes National Rural Health Day Nov. 15
(Richmond, Va.) In recognition of the important role of Virginia’s rural communities in the state’s past, present and future, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) celebrates November 15, 2012, as National Rural Health Day. The annual event was created to showcase the vitality of rural communities, raise awareness of the unique health care challenges they face and promote rural health equity. more>>
November 14, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OPENS A PORTION OF THE LOWER JAMES RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that a portion of the Lower James River will be opened for shellfish harvesting effective November 15, 2012. The remainder of the lower portion of the James River and the Lynnhaven River system will remain closed to shellfish harvesting due to floodwaters caused by tidal flooding and excessive rainfall. This change modifies the emergency closure that was put into effect November 8, 2012. more>>
November 8, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OPENS THE POQUOSON RIVER, BACK RIVER AND A PORTION OF THE UPPER JAMES RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that Poquoson River, Back River and a portion of the upper James River opened for shellfish harvesting effective midnight, November 7, 2012. The lower portion of the James River and the Lynnhaven River system will remain closed to shellfish harvesting due to floodwaters caused by tidal flooding and excessive rainfall. This change modifies the emergency closure that was put into effect November 3, 2012. more>>
October 31, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATES CLOSURE OF SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that portions of the lower Rappahannock River, Mobjack Bay and the lower York River will be opened to harvesting shellfish effective midnight, October 31, 2012. more>>
October 29, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES THE VIRGINIA PORTIONS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND VIRGINIA INSIDE PASSAGE OF THE EASTERN SHORE TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay and west of and including the Virginia Inside Passage of the Eastern Shore will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to floodwaters caused by tidal flooding and excessive rainfall. The emergency closure is effective October 29, 2012. more>>
October 4, 2012
Prince William Health District Conducts Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic
The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Prince William Health District will be giving 900 free flu shots via drive-thru clinic, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10 AM to 2 PM to people age 3 and over. more>>
September 24, 2012
Rabies Vaccinations Save Lives
Virginia Department of Health Urges Rabies Vaccination for Pets
(Richmond, Va.) Ask anyone whose pet has had a run-in with a rabid animal, and they will tell you how important it is to keep pets’ rabies vaccines up to date. This year during Rabies Awareness Week, September 24-30, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) are stressing the importance of safeguarding the lives of pets and family members by vaccinating pets against rabies. more>>
August 29, 2012
“PAY ATTENTION TO PREVENTION”
Health Officials Remind Residents that Prevention is Best Way to Combat Mosquito-borne Illness.
(Richmond, Va.) — The last days of summer are upon us, but the mosquito breeding and biting season is not yet over. While Virginians continue to enjoy outdoor activities and Labor Day picnics, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges everyone to “Pay Attention to Prevention.” It is the best way to combat mosquito-borne (arboviral) illnesses, such as those caused by West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. more>>
August 27, 2012
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES PORTION OF JAMES RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that a portion of the James River will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to flooding and contamination from sewage spills. more>>
July 13, 2012
Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program Expands Eligibility
Current waitlist expected to be eliminated this fall
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is taking the final steps toward elimination of the ADAP waitlist. By September 30, 2012, all of the people currently on the waitlist will be enrolled in and receiving their HIV treatment medications from ADAP. more>>
July 03, 2012
State Health Department Urges Caution Following Heavy Rains
Virginians Reminded to be Mindful of Recreational Water Hazards
(Richmond, Va.) In the aftermath of severe weather, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds people to take precautions when enjoying recreational water activities. During a heavy rainfall, animal waste and inadequately treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants that become overloaded by an excess of rainwater can end up in rivers, lakes and streams, posing risks to human health. more>>
July 01, 2012
Virginia Department of Health Offers Tips to Prevent Injuries and Food-borne Illness
(Richmond, Va.) People in the areas affected by the recent severe weather will continue to face a number of hazards associated with cleanup activities. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers the following safety tips.
June 22, 2012
Virginia Department of Health Urges Immunizations for Travelers to 2012 Olympics
(Richmond, Va.) In just a few weeks, the world will watch as athletes from around the globe compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If you are one of the millions of people who will travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to watch the Games firsthand, the Virginia Department of Health urges you to be current on your vaccinations before you go.more>>
June 21, 2012
Chief Medical Examiner Holds News Conference to Seek Help With Identifying Skeletal Remains
Facial Models of Individuals Shown in Hopes to Close Cold Cases
(Manassas, Va.) —The Chief Medical Examiner today unveiled the facial approximations of three individuals found dead in the Northern Virginia area, but have not yet been identified. The facial models represent the skeletal remains of men whose remains were found in separate locations between 2003 and 2011. There are currently 220 unidentified people statewide with some remains dating back to the 1970s. more>>
June 8, 2012
Virginia Department of Health Shares Data on Adolescent Health Behaviors
(Richmond, Va.) Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) released data gathered in the Virginia Youth Survey last fall on the health behaviors of high school students. This data provides timely and critical information to help parents, physicians, and other stakeholders who work with youth and highlights the risks that adolescents experience on a routine basis. more>>
May 24, 2012
Sentara Leigh Hospital Nurse Receives National Emergency Medical Services for Children Recognition Award
EMS Week, May 20-26, Recognizes the Dedication of EMS Practitioners across Virginia
Norfolk, Va. — Catherine C. Fox, RN, CEN, CPEN, emergency department nurse and educational consultant at Sentara Leigh Hospital, recently received the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for Children Recognition Award for her efforts in pediatric health. This annual award is presented to 10 remarkable individuals selected from across the nation, recognizing their efforts to provide advice, inspiration and leadership in the field of emergency medical services for children. more>>
May 21, 2012
Virginia Department of Health Stresses Safety Tips for Recreational Water Activities
May 22-28 is Recreational Water Awareness Week
(Richmond, Va.) With the arrival of warm weather, recreational water activity in Virginia increases. The Virginia Department of Health reminds people to take precautions and follow a few simple guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during recreational water activities. more>>
May 11, 2012
VIRGINIA PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES: ADVOCATING, LEADING, CARING
Fairfax Nurse Selected as Public Health Nurse of the Year
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A Fairfax County Health Department nurse, known for her passion for working with children who have intellectual disabilities, has been chosen as this year’s Public Health Nurse of the Year. According to her colleagues, Gail Zukosky, RN, BSN, MSN, exemplifies the characteristics highlighted in this year’s theme, “Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring.” more>>
May 8, 2012
State Health Department Launches Statewide Challenge to Control High Blood Pressure
Challenge Kicks off Million Hearts™ VA to Reduce Heart Attacks and Strokes
(Richmond, Va.)— State Health Commissioner Karen Remley, MD, MBA, FAAP, pledged Virginia’s support of the national Million HeartsTM initiative this past March, making the state the third in the nation to join the project. The initiative focuses, coordinates, and enhances cardiovascular disease prevention activities across public and private sectors in an unprecedented effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over five years. more>>
April 27, 2012
Grant Expands Home Visiting Program to High-Risk Children and Families in Virginia
(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health recently received $6.2 million to expand the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) project. This federal grant is an expansion of previous grant awards and is provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration. more>>
April 23, 2012
CHKD Pediatrician Receives National Honor for Immunization Efforts
HAMPTON ROADS, Va.—Dr. John Harrington, a pediatrician and director of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) General Academic Pediatrics, has been named a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Champion for his efforts to promote vaccination. The award recognizes Dr. Harrington’s efforts as “going above and beyond to promote or foster childhood immunizations” in his community. more>>
April 18, 2012
(Richmond, VA)—Virginia’s death rates from unintentional injuries among children and adolescents from birth to age 19 has declined by 45 percent from 2000 to 2009, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Virginia’s rate surpasses the 30 percent decline seen nationally. more>>
April 3, 2012
National 2012 County Health Rankings Show Where Virginia Localities Do Well, Provide Roadmap for Improvement
Richmond, Va. –The third annual County Health Rankings, released today by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, indicates that Fairfax County has the healthiest residents in Virginia while the city of Petersburg ranks as the least healthy locality in the state. more>>
March 22, 2012
Tuberculosis Rate Drops in Virginia
March 24 is World TB Day
Richmond, Va.-The Virginia Department of Health today announced that the tuberculosis (TB) rate in Virginia continues to decline. Between 2010 and 2011, the rate decreased 17.5 percent. This equates to 47 fewer cases of TB reported in Virginia. more>>
January 23, 2012
REMEMBER “95210” TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH
(WISE, Va.) – The LENOWISCO Health District recommends 95210 to help prevent and reduce obesity, increase physical activity and improve the overall health of children. The 95210 message spells out five daily habits to help children (and adults) achieve these goals and live healthier. more>>
January 11, 2012
ADULTS AND TEENS, GET THE PERTUSSIS VACCINE OR BOOSTER; PROTECT INFANTS, YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU
(CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.) – Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) are on the rise in Virginia and in most of the United States. Virginia has seen a twofold increase in reported cases since 2007 and a 72 percent increase from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, there were 384 cases of pertussis reported in Virginia, the highest total in six years. more>>