December 4, 2014
It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate! Don’t Let the Flu Ruin Your Holidays
National Influenza Vaccine Week is December 7-13
(Warrenton, Va.)—Cases of the influenza or flu usually peak in the United States between December and February. National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to spread the message that it’s not too late to vaccinate! During the holiday season influenza can spread at family gatherings, special events and at crowded places – such as holiday gatherings and shopping malls. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District suggests that getting a flu shot every year is the single best way to prevent the flu, and offers the following information about the flu, who should be vaccinated, and where you can get vaccinated. more>>
November 12, 2014
Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at Greene Exercise
(Ruckersville, VA) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff once again will test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Greene. Thanks to a partnership with the County of Greene and the Greene County Schools, the exercise will be held at the Greene County Technical Education Center at 10415 Spotswood Trail, Stanardsville, VA 22973 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18.The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age at no charge. more>>
October 23, 2014
Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at Fluvanna Exercise
(Palmyra, VA) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Fluvanna. Thanks to a partnership with the County of Fluvanna and the Fluvanna County Schools, the exercise will be held at the Central Elementary School located at 3430 Central Plains Rd. in Palmyra from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29th. The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age. more>>
October 1, 2014
Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at State Fair
Saturday’s Flu Shot Event Starts at 10 a.m.
(Fredericksburg, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District will offer free flu shots Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 beginning at 10 a.m. at the State Fair of Virginia. The event will be held at the Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Only 550 doses of vaccine will be available, and will be offered to anyone 18 years of age and older on a first-come, first-served basis, until 3 p.m. or the supply of flu shots runs out. more>>
September 30, 2014
CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT AWARDED CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTON GRANT FROM CDC
(PETERSBURG, Va.) – The Crater Health District (CHD) will receive approximately $436,000 annually for four years to reduce and prevent chronic disease and health disparities as part of a federal grant awarded to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). more>>
September 26, 2014
PUBLIC HEALTH STAFF GOING DOOR-TO-DOOR FOR COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS ASSESSMENT
(Charlottesville, Va.) – City and county residents may get a knock on the door September 30, October 1 and 2 from Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (CAHD) staff and volunteers who are conducting Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) surveys. CAHD staff members are teaming up with the Virginia Department of Health to visit select Charlottesville City and Albemarle County residents to assess whether they have taken basic precautions to prepare for emergencies such as stockpiling supplies of food, water and medications; making plans for contacting relatives; and planning for their pet’s needs. more>>
September 19, 2014
Eastern Shore Health District has confirmed the early arrival of seasonal influenza activity to the Eastern Shore of Virginia and advises residents to protect themselves and their families. CDC recommends a yearly influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. more>>
September 12, 2014
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PETS AND YOURSELF FROM RABIES
Rabies Awareness Week is Sept. 22-28
(Warrenton, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will partner with the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association to sponsor Rabies Awareness Week, Sept. 22 -28, 2014.
Statewide, 311 cases of animal rabies have been confirmed this year. more>>
September 11, 2014
CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SURRY COUNTY HEALTH DEARTMENT
(PETERSBURG, Va.) –On Friday, September 12, 2014, the Surry County Health Department offices, located at 474 Colonial Trail West, Surry, Virginia 23839 will be closed for renovations and will reopen for services on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. The Crater Health District, Surry, Sussex, and Prince George County officials are working together to provide alternate locations for services. more>>
August 22, 2014
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(BRISTOL, Va.) The Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services (SWVEMS) Council, Inc. awarded its annual regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) awards Aug. 15, 2014, honoring the exceptional service of its local EMS personnel. more>>
August 5, 2014
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Seeks Public’s Help
(Richmond, Va.) — The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) needs the public’s help to identify several deceased individuals found in Central and Eastern Virginia between 1981 and 2003. more>>
July 30, 2014
OLD DOMINION EMS ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(RICHMOND, Va.) The Old Dominion Emergency Medical Services Alliance (ODEMSA) paid tribute to the region’s emergency medical services (EMS) personnel for their notable contributions to the public health system at the annual regional EMS awards held July 12 at Pocahontas State Park. more>>
July 29, 2014
CRATER HEALTH DEPARTMENTS CELBRATE WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK
August 1-7, 2014
(PETERSBURG, Va.) —World Breastfeeding Week will be celebrated worldwide August 1-7, 2014. The 2014 World Breastfeeding theme is Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life! Experts acknowledge that when mothers and babies succeed in their breastfeeding plans, they can enjoy a lifetime of benefits. Health Departments across the Crater Health District will be celebrating World Breast Feeding Week. more>>
July 28, 2014
Virginia’s Western Forensic Laboratory and Medical Examiner Facility Break Ground for Expansion
(Roanoke, Va.) Representatives from the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and the Virginia Department of Health, as well as Secretary of Administration Nancy Rodrigues and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran, broke ground today for a cutting-edge forensic laboratory and medical examiner facility. This expansion to the state facility in Roanoke County more than doubles the size of the existing building. more>>
July 25, 2014
PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT REPORTS A COYOTE SIGHTING IN THE COMMUNITY
Residents Reminded not to Feed or Approach Wildlife
Prince William County – Recently a resident reported to the Prince William Health District that the resident saw a coyote in the Buckhall area of Prince William County. Coyotes can be found throughout the state, in both urban and suburban areas, including subdivisions. They can also carry rabies, although this is rare. Although primarily nocturnal, or active at night, coyotes often venture out during daylight hours for readily available food sources or to make a den in a readily accessible area such as under porches/decks, crawl spaces or out-buildings. more>>
July 15, 2014
GRANT TO HELP FUND EVERY WOMAN’S LIFE PROGRAM
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 a $15,000 grant for its “Every Woman’s Life” (EWL) program. EWL is a public health program that helps uninsured, low income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduces death rates, improves treatment options, and greatly increases survival. At some sites where EWL services are offered, women can also be screened for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose, and also learn how to become more physically active, eat healthier foods, and stop smoking. more>>
July 14, 2014
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 – Mosquitoes collected during the month of July 2014 by the Prince William Mosquito Control Program have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, marking the first reported activity of the virus in the county for the 2014 season. Positive mosquitoes have been collected from test areas in Woodbridge, Va. more>>
July 7, 2014
TIPS CAMPAIGN RETURNS TO HELP VIRGINIA RESIDENTS QUIT SMOKING
(Charlottesville, Va.)– Continuing with the success of last year’s landmark national tobacco education campaign, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is airing a second series of ads. The newest ads in the “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign tell the story of how people’s lives were changed forever due to their smoking. In Virginia, 9,000 adults die each year from smoking. The new ads will air from July 7 to September 7. The Tips campaign serves as an important counter to the more than $8.3 billion spent annually by the tobacco industry to make cigarettes more attractive and more affordable — particularly to youth and young adults. more>>
June 27, 2014
RAPPAHANNOCK EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(FREDERICKSBURG, Va.) The Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council (REMS), Inc. honored its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel for the remarkable level of dedication and service that they provide to the community at the annual regional EMS awards held May 29, 2014 at the Rappahannock United Way. more>>
June 25, 2014
PETERSBURG HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC- “Monday Night Checkups”
Services begin on MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014
(PETERSBURG, Va.) — The Petersburg Health Department will be starting a Men’s Sexual Health Clinic. The Health Department is located at 301 Halifax Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803. The clinic will be open the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Monday, July 14, 2014. The Men’s Sexual Health Clinic will offer services to males ages 18 and up by appointment or walk-in (based on availability). more>>
June 20, 2014
BLUE RIDGE EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(LYNCHBURG, Va.) The Blue Ridge Emergency Medical Services (BREMS) Council, Inc. presented its 2014 regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) awards June 13 at the James River Conference Center. The council acknowledged all of the region’s EMS personnel for their devotion to providing efficient emergency care in the time of need. more>>
June 20, 2014
LORD FAIRFAX EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(WINCHESTER, Va.) The Lord Fairfax Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. presented its 2014 Regional EMS awards and paid tribute to the dedicated EMS personnel in the region June 11 at the Front Royal Fire Department. more>>
June 20, 2014
WESTERN VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(ROANOKE, Va.) The Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. paid tribute to the region’s EMS personnel for their selfless acts of service and dedication at the annual regional EMS awards ceremony held June 12, 2014, at the Vinton War Memorial. more>>
June 20, 2014
NORTHERN VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(GAINESVILLE, Va.) The Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. acknowledged the tremendous level of service shown by EMS personnel throughout the region at the 2014 regional EMS awards held June 12 at the Fairfax Fire Station 40. more>>
June 16, 2014
TIDEWATER EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(NORFOLK, Va.) The Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. honored all areas of public safety at its annual regional EMS awards held June 15, 2014, at the Virginia Zoo. Awards were given to those nominated by their peers for their exceptional level of service to the region’s EMS system. more>>
June 16, 2014
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(STAUNTON, Va.) The Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. recognized the continuous commitment and dedication shown by its EMS personnel at the Regional Awards ceremony held June 11, 2014, at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. more>>
June 9, 2014
PENINSULAS EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(GLOUCESTER, Va.) The Peninsulas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. presented its 2014 Regional EMS Awards May 24 during the EMS Day celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The council recognized those who were nominated by their peers and awarded for their exceptional level of dedication. more>>
June 5, 2014
Skyline Students Make Bench and Planter for Health Department
84 Lumber and Southern States Donated Materials
(WINCHESTER, Va.)—The Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD) and the Warren County Health Department are grateful and honored to have received a gift that will beautify the Health Department entrance. Members of Skyline High School’s “Tech Foundation Class,” under the direction of Instructor Richard Strunk, constructed a beautiful bench and planter box. The wood for the items was donated by 84 Lumber. Southern States donated soil and flowers for the planter. more>>
May 29, 2014
THOMAS JEFFERSON EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS
(Charlottesville, Va.) The Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., paid tribute to the men and women of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and awarded those nominated for their devoted service at the council’s regional awards ceremony held May 14, 2014, at Nelson Rescue Station #1. more>>
May 28, 2014
CRATER CELEBRATES NATIONAL TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION MONTH
(Petersburg, Va.) May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and according to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, the United States has seen extraordinary declines in teen pregnancy and childbearing over the past two decades. The Petersburg Health Department, part of the Crater Health District, recently celebrated the city’s lowest teen pregnancy rate in four years. The health department saw a decrease in the number of teen pregnancies within the City of Petersburg from 103.7/1000 in 2009 to 66.7/1000 in 2012, which represents a 36% decline. more>>
April 4, 2014
Prince William Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns
Woodbridge and Nokesville Areas Affected
In order to protect the health of the residents and visitors, the Prince William Health District (PWHD) is issuing a notice about a cat that has been found with rabies in the Woodbridge area, and a general notice to Nokesville area residents about an increase in wildlife found with rabies. more>>
April 4, 2014
THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROTECTS THE COMMUNITY EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE
April 6-12 is Public Health Week
(Charlottesville, Va.) – The Health Department has been protecting the health of families and communities for nearly 100 years. Public health professionals work around the clock to protect the public, promote health, and prevent the spread of diseases. more>>
March 26, 2014
Loudoun County Is Healthiest in Virginia According to New Health Rankings
(LEESBURG, Va) Loudoun County ranks as the healthiest county in Virginia, according to the fifth annual County Health Rankings, released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. more>>
March 25, 2014
Loudoun County Health Department One of First to Receive National Accreditation
Public Health Accreditation Board Designation Recognizes High Performing Health Departments
(LEESBURG, Va) Loudoun County Health Department announced today that it has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing the quality and performance of the nation’s Tribal, state, local and territorial public health departments. Loudoun County Health Department is one of the first of hundreds of health departments across the country that are preparing to seek accreditation through PHAB, the independent organization that administers the national public health accreditation program. more>>
March 10, 2014
Live Well! Helps Youth Kick Butts
Wednesday, March 19 from 4-8 p.m. at Manassas Mall
Live Well! invites everyone to join health advocates in celebrating Kick Butts Day on March 19. This national day of activism empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against tobacco use. Events across the country encourage youth to stay tobacco-free and urge strong action to protect kids from tobacco exposure. more>>
January 9, 2014
VDH Offers “The Best Hug in the World” with Free Child Safety Seat Checks
(GLEN ALLEN, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with the Henrico County Police Division and the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, encourage parents to give their children “The Best Hug in the World: Buckle Up!” this Valentine’s Day. more>>
January 9, 2014
GRANT TO HELP FUND MATERNITY PROGRAM
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 $100,000 grant for its “Complicated Obstetrical and High Risk Maternity Care Program.” more>>
January 3, 2014
TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER
Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Tips to Stay Healthy
(Fredericksburg, Va.)—The Rappahannock Area Health District encourages residents to protect themselves against serious health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, causing cold-weather health problems such as frostbite and hypothermia. more>>