2013 Regional News Releases

Statewide News Releases

December 30, 2013

CAT IN WOODBRIDGE FOUND TO HAVE RABIES
Public Reminded of Rabies Prevention Tips

(Manassas, VA) – A cat found December 20, near Powells Landing Circle in Woodbridge, has tested positive for rabies. The young adult cat had gray fur and appeared to have an injured leg. Prince William Health District asks anyone who may have come in contact with a cat acting strangely to contact the Health District at 703-792-5363, or the Prince William Animal Control Division, at 703-792-6500. more>>


December 2, 2013

PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT (PWHD) OFFERS FREE FLU SHOTS ON DEC. 14
Clinic at Todos Super Market Starts at 11 a.m.

(MANASSAS, Va.) — The Prince William Health District encourages everyone to protect themselves, those they love, and those around them by getting an annual flu shot. The Health District is helping by offering free flu shots for those three and older at the Todos Super Market on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., or while vaccine supplies last. The Todos Super Market is located at 13905 Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1) in Woodbridge, VA 22191. more>>


November 12, 2013

Chesterfield Health District Helps American Cancer Society with Cancer Research Study

The Chesterfield Health District is hosting the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) new research study, called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).  The study will ultimately save lives by better understanding the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer. more>>


October 15, 2013

Henrico County Health Department Conducts Free Flu Clinics
The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Henrico County Health Department will be giving free flu shots, rain or shine, to people age three and over on a limited first-come, first-serve basis, at the following locations: more>>


October 11, 2013

Chickahominy Health District Conducts Free Flu Shot Clinic

The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Chickahominy Health District will be giving free flu shots on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to people age 3 and over, at the following location: more>>


September 30, 2013

NEW RIVER HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AT DRIVE-THRU CLINIC FOR ADULTS

(CHRISTIANSBURG, Virginia) – The New River Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Friday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Old Christiansburg High School, 208 College St. in Christiansburg. more>>


September 30, 2013

Chickahominy Health District Conducts Free Flu Shot Clinic

The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Chickahominy Health District will be giving free flu shots, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to people age 3 and over, at the following location: more>>


September 24, 2013

GET THE FLU SHOT NOW AT LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

(DANVILLE, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) now offers flu shots at local health departments. VDH accepts all forms of insurance and can make arrangements for people who are not insured or are underinsured, at no out-of-pocket cost. more>>


September 23, 2013

HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE FLU VACCINE

(Staunton, Va.) — The Central Shenandoah Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine to everyone ages 3 and up, at a drive-thru flu clinic on Friday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will be held in the parking lot of the Ashwood Parks and Recreation site (near Valley Elementary School), 65 Panther Dr. in Hot Springs, Va. Vaccine is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. more>>


September 23, 2013

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM RABIES

(PETERSBURG, Va.)- In recognition of Rabies Awareness Week, the Crater Health District is reminding residents to take precautions while dealing with wild and stray animals. The district has received five confirmed rabies cases so far this year. more>>


September 20, 2013

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PETS AND YOURSELF FROM RABIES
Rabies Awareness Week is Sept. 23-29

(Culpeper, Va.)The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is partnering with the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association to sponsor Rabies Awareness Week, Sept. 23-29, 2013. Last year in Virginia, 562 cases of rabies in animals were reported. The total number of animal rabies cases confirmed so far this year in the Commonwealth is 321. more>>


September 19, 2013

GREATER PRINCE WILLIAM AREA (GPWA) COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT IDENTIFIES PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

(MANASSAS, Va.) —The Prince William Health District (PWHD) has posted the results of a 2013 GPWA Community Health Assessment at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/LHD/PrinceWilliam/. This assessment will help guide the GPWA’s efforts to improve health. It will also aid community partners whose work has an impact on public health issues, by giving them concrete data about health topics that are important to our community. more>>


August 15, 2013

Chief Medical Examiner Seeks Public’s Help to Identify Skeletal Remains
Facial Models of Individuals Shown in Hopes of Closing Cold Cases

(Richmond, Va.)—The Chief Medical Examiner today unveiled the facial approximations of five individuals found dead in the central Virginia area, but who have not yet been identified. The facial models represent the four men and one woman whose remains were found in separate locations between 1988 and 2012.  There are currently 276 unidentified people statewide, with some remains dating back to the 1960s. more>>


August 15, 2013

RABID FOX IDENTIFIED FROM THE 3800 BLOCK OF PUDDLEDOCK ROAD IN PRINCE GEORGE, VIRGINIA
(PETERSBURG, Va.) – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a fox collected August 12, 2013 from the 3800 block of Puddledock Road in Prince George tested positive for rabies infection. more>>


August 7, 2013

RABID FOX CONFIRMED ON SOUTH 71 IN THE CASTLEWOOD AREA OF RUSSELL COUNTY
–Citizens asked to report any possible human or animal contact with any suspected rabid animal.–

(RUSSELL COUNTY, Va.) – A fox collected July 31, 2013, on South 71 in the Castlewood area of Russell County has tested positive for rabies. This is the fifth confirmed case of animal rabies in Russell County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year. more>>


July 31, 2013

RABID RACCOON FOUND IN BRANCHESTER LAKES AREA OF PRINCE GEORGE, VIRGINIA

(PETERSBURG, Va.) – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a raccoon collected July 26, 2013 from the Branchester Lakes subdivision in Prince George tested positive for rabies infection. more>>


July 31, 2013

OLD DOMINION EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ALLIANCE CELEBRATES ITS EMS PROVIDERS

(Richmond, Va.) – The Old Dominion Emergency Medical Services Alliance (ODEMSA) honors the unwavering spirit and dedication shown by its Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel at the council’s regional awards picnic held July 26, 2013 at the American Legion-Post 354 in Midlothian, Va. more>>


July 31, 2013

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL PAYS TRIBUTE TO EMS PROVIDERS

(Bristol, Va.) – The Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services (SWVEMS) Council, Inc. honors the unwavering spirit and commitment demonstrated by its local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community at the council’s regional awards program held July 26, 2013 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va. more>>


July 26, 2013

CENTRAL SHENANDOAH EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(Staunton, Va.) – The Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Services (CSEMS) Council, Inc., recognized the exceptional service exemplified by its local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers at the council’s regional awards program and picnic held July 24, 2013 at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, Va. more>>


July 26, 2013

Crater Health District WIC Clinics Closed Temporarily August 5-9, 2013
No Interruption for WIC Participants’ Benefits

(Richmond, Va.) – The Crater Health District’s WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) clinics will be closed temporarily from August 5 – 9, 2013, to allow for computer upgrades and staff training. more>>


July 26, 2013

GRANT TO FUND PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE
Mary Washington Hospital Community Benefit Fund Awards Grant to the Rappahannock Area Health District

(Fredericksburg, Va.)Recently, the Mary Washington Hospital Community Benefit Fund awarded the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) a $23,950 grant for the purchase of a portable ultrasound machine. more>>


July 23, 2013

PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT REPORTS MOSQUITOES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
Residents Reminded to Eliminate Standing Water and Protect Against Mosquito Bites

(Prince William County, Va.) – The Prince William Health District (PWHD) reports that mosquitoes collected on July 9, 2013 by the Prince William Mosquito Control Program have tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV), marking the first reported activity of the virus in the County for the 2013 season. The positive mosquitoes were collected from test areas at the Belmont Pump Station in Woodbridge. more>>


July 17, 2013

TIDEWATER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL CELEBRATES ITS EMS PROVIDERS

Norfolk, Va. – The Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc., recognized members of its EMS community who were nominated for exemplifying exceptional service and dedication at the council’s annual regional awards program and picnic held July 13, 2013, at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va. more>>


July 2, 2013

Henrico County Health Department Reminds Residents that Extreme Heat Requires Protective Actions

(Henrico County, Va.)– With the daytime heat index expected to reach or exceed 100˚F over the next couple of days, it becomes even more important that people follow recommendations to protect themselves from the extreme heat. more>>


July 2, 2013

LORD FAIRFAX EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EMS EXCELLENCE

Winchester, Va. – The Lord Fairfax Emergency Medical Services (LFEMS) Council, Inc., paid tribute to the tremendous service provided by its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel at the council’s regional award ceremony held June 12, 2013, at the Front Royal Fire Department in Front Royal, Va. more>>


July 2, 2013

PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Health District Urges Health and Safety Precautions as Residents Gather to Celebrate

(MANASSAS, Va.) — The Prince William Health District urges health and safety precautions as residents gather to celebrate Independence Day. Outdoor picnics and barbecues present an opportunity for foodborne illnesses to occur and increase the potential of residents to experience heat-related illnesses or be affected by severe weather. more>>


June 19, 2013

RAPPAHANNOCK EMERGNECY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL CELEBRATES ITS EMS COMMUNITY
Fredericksburg, Va. – The Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., recognized the dedication and commitment shown by its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel at the council’s regional awards ceremony held May 30, 2013, at the Rappahannock United Way in Fredericksburg, Va. more>>


June 19, 2013

NORTHERN VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL HONORS ITS OUTSTANDING EMS PROVIDERS

Gainesville, Va. – The Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., recognized Emergency Medical Service (EMS) excellence during the council’s regional awards ceremony June 13, 2013, at Fairfax Station 40 in Fairfax, Va. more>>


June 19, 2013

WESTERN VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

Roanoke, Va. – The Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., proudly recognizes the outstanding service demonstrated by its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel at the council’s regional awards ceremony held June 13, 2013, at the Vinton War Memorial in Vinton, Va. more>>


June 19, 2013

BLUE RIDGE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL CELEBRATES ITS EMS COMMUNITY

Lynchburg, Va. – The Blue Ridge Emergency Medical Services (BREMS) Council, Inc., honored the dedication and commitment of its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers at the council’s regional awards ceremony May 23, 2013, held in Lynchburg. more>>


June 4, 2013

PENINSULAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

Gloucester, Va. – The Peninsulas Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., awarded its 2013 Regional EMS Awards during a special dinner as part of the three-day EMS Educational Expo “Honey, I Shrunk the Symposium and Brought it Home!”held at Rappahannock Community College in Saluda, Va., May 18, 2013. more>>


May 31, 2013

THOMAS JEFFERSON EMS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES SIX REGIONAL AWARD WINNERS

Charlottesville, Va. – The Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., honored its men and women of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) who were nominated for exemplifying exceptional service and dedication at the council’s regional awards ceremony held May 8, 2013, at Lake Monticello. more>>


May 9, 2013

RICHMOND CITY HEALTH DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 2013 CENTRAL REGION PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE OF THE YEAR

(Richmond, Va.) – The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is pleased to announce that Tracey Avery – Geter, RN, FNP, has been selected as the Virginia Department of Health’s Central Region Public Health Nurse of the Year. Her award recognizes the outstanding work public health nurses make toward the health of all Virginians. more>>


April 22, 2013

CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT HOSTS FREE DIABETES CLASSES
Interested in Taking Better Care of Your Diabetes? These Free Classes Can Help You Do It!

(Petersburg, VA)-Many people would like to get their diabetes in better control, but may not know how to do it. It is not as hard as you might think. Crater Health District is ready to help you. Beginning April 23rd through May 28th, four different diabetes education classes will be offered free of charge to the public. Classes will be held on Tuesday afternoon for the next four weeks. The classes are scheduled for April 23, April 30, May 21 and May 28, 2013 from 1-3:15 p.m. at the Petersburg City Health Department, 301 Halifax St. Petersburg, VA, 23803. more>>


April 16, 2013

MINORITY HEALTH CONSORTIUM & CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT TO HOST REGIONAL ERASING THE STIGMA FORUM FOR MSM ON SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2013

(Petersburg, Va.)-The Minority Health Consortium in partnership with the Crater Health District will host a forum for MSM (men who have sex with men) on Saturday, April 20 from 12 noon – 8 p.m. at the Petersburg Union Train Station, 103 River Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803. The purpose of this event is to educate MSM in the Crater Health District about: HIV stigma, rates of HIV among MSM, protecting themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), communicating with sexual partners about safer sex practices, HIV testing and treatment, and available resources. more>>


April 9, 2013

LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES RELEASE PLAN TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY’S HEALTH

(Charlottesville, Va.) — The MAPP 2 Health Leadership Council announced that Planning District 10’s community health assessment and improvement plan are complete and available for review. “This plan is a call to action for organizations and individuals to work together to improve our community’s health,” said Dr. Lilian Peake, Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) Health Director. more>>


March 7, 2013

Louisa County Health Department Hosts Free HIV Testing on March 11

In honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Louisa County Health Department is hosting free, confidential HIV testing to area residents on Monday, March 11. The day’s theme is “Share Knowledge, Take Action,” and encourages everyone to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls. Today, women represent a larger share of new HIV infections than they did earlier in the epidemic, with nearly 280,000 women living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The Louisa County Health Department’s Clinic Services Building is located at 540 Industrial Drive, Louisa, VA (540) 967-3703. The March 11 clinic is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and no appointment is necessary. more>>


February 20, 2013

Piedmont Out Walking (POW!) Program Issues Healthy Living Challenge

A new walking challenge sponsored by the Piedmont Community Health Coalition will help local residents get on the path to fitness.  The Piedmont Out Walking program (POW!), which runs from March 1 through June 1, is a free team-walking challenge designed to inspire and support community-wide fitness. more>>


February 4, 2013

Increase Your Physical Activity to Improve Health in the New Year

(BIG STONE GAP, Va.) –  In an ongoing effort to help adults and children be more active, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is working with Big Stone Gap to improve the Greenbelt Trail, a multi-use recreational trail. more>>


January 17, 2013

Piedmont Health District Receives Grant to Combat Obesity in Rural Areas

The Piedmont Health District has received a multifaceted grant from the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Family Health Services to help local communities address the overweight and obesity problem that’s become increasingly common in rural parts of the health district, the state, and the country.  Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey data, the seven counties that comprise the Piedmont Health District have obesity rates that range from 31% to 34%, compared to the state average of 28%. more>>