Author: marianhunter

Media Updates June 16, 2026 

Posted on by marianhunter

TOP UPDATES

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 


Measles 

Update: 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting 10 additional measles cases since the June 11 measles dashboard update.  All of these new cases are associated with outbreak in Buckingham County, bringing the total of outbreak-associated cases to 98. As of June 16, VDH is reporting a total of 121 cases of measles in 2026. 


VDH Response: 

  • VDH has one active measles outbreak. Piedmont Health District continues to identify any additional cases, connecting people with testing and care, holding local vaccination clinics, and providing health education to the community. 
  • The VDH measles dashboard shows key information to help Virginians see measles trends, understand the impact, and know their risk of exposure. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday around noon ET. 


Public Guidance: 

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. 

People who live in or visit the Buckingham County area should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations, which includes considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community. 

People who are not vaccinated against measles should avoid attending large or crowded events in the Buckingham area during the outbreak to protect themselves and help stop the spread of measles. 


Media Resources 

Quotes 

“While we continue to identify additional cases associated with the Buckingham County outbreak, VDH and our local partners are working aggressively to limit further spread through case investigation, contact tracing, community outreach, and vaccination efforts. We are asking Virginians in the areas experiencing active transmission—particularly those who are unvaccinated, unsure of their immunity status, or experiencing symptoms—to take recommended precautions and avoid situations that could put themselves or others at risk. Every action we take now helps protect vulnerable community members and can help us bring this outbreak to an end.” 

  – State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb 


About  

VDH works to protect and promote the health of all Virginians through disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and community partnerships. 

Our weekly update provides timely information on public health issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth, including disease trends, prevention guidance, safety advisories, and community resources. Our agency strives to keep media partners and the public informed about emerging health concerns, response efforts, and actions Virginians can take to protect their health. 

# # #

The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) mission is to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia. VDH is comprised of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. For more information, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/ or find VDH on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Media Update June 12

Posted on by marianhunter

TOP UPDATES

Friday, June 12, 2026 

Measles

Update: 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting five additional measles cases since the June 9 measles dashboard update.  All of these new cases are associated with outbreak in Buckingham County, bringing the total of outbreak-associated cases to 88. As of June 11, VDH is reporting a total of 111 cases of measles in 2006.


VDH Response: 

  • VDH has one active measles outbreak. Piedmont Health District continues to identify any additional cases, connecting people with testing and care, holding local vaccination clinics, and providing health education to the community.
  • The VDH measles dashboardshows key information to help Virginians see measles trends, understand the impact, and know their risk of exposure. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday around noon ET. 
  • On June 10, 2026, VDH released a Health Advisoryadvising unvaccinated people and anyone with measles symptoms to avoid large gatherings in Buckingham County during the ongoing measles outbreak. 
  • Send all questions and interview requests to Brookie Crawford at crawford@vdh.virginia.gov 


Public Guidance: 

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. 

People who live in or visit the Buckingham County area should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations, which includes considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community. 

People who are not vaccinated against measles should avoid attending large or crowded events in the Buckingham area during the outbreak to protect themselves and help stop the spread of measles. 


Media Resources 

Quotes 

“While we continue to see measles cases increase across Virginia, VDH is actively responding to help contain spread, connect individuals to care, and protect communities most at risk. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but it’s also one of the most preventable.  The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against measles. With summer travel and gatherings ahead, now is the time to make sure that you and your family are up to date on vaccinations. If you have questions, your healthcare provider or local health department is a great place to start.” 

— State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb 


About  

VDH works to protect and promote the health of all Virginians through disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and community partnerships.

Our weekly update provides timely information on public health issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth, including disease trends, prevention guidance, safety advisories, and community resources. Our agency strives to keep media partners and the public informed about emerging health concerns, response efforts, and actions Virginians can take to protect their health. 

Virginia Department of Health Launches First Perinatal Health Hubs to Support Families Across the Commonwealth

Posted on by marianhunter

IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 28, 2026
Media Contact:  Cheryle.Rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov     

Virginia Department of Health Launches First Perinatal Health Hubs to Support Families Across the Commonwealth
 Four community-based sites expand support for mothers, babies, and families  

(RICHMOND, Va.) —  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced the launch of the first-ever Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program, marking a major step forward in strengthening care for Virginia families before, during, and after childbirth. Four organizations have been selected to serve as the program’s inaugural Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program.  

  • Rockbridge Area Health Center, Lexington, VA 
  • Child Development Resources, Inc. Williamsburg, VA 
  • Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA 
  • Strength in Peers, Inc Harrisonburg, VA

Working together, these sites will serve as community anchors for a new, innovative model of maternal and infant care—one designed to better support families during pregnancy and throughout the critical first year of a child’s life.  

The perinatal health hubs pilot program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve health outcomes by expanding access to coordinated, community-driven care. Each hub will customize its services to specific local needs, including an implementation plan, with contracts running through June 2027.   

“Every family in Virginia deserves strong support throughout pregnancy and during that critical first year for mom and baby,” said Virginia State Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “These Perinatal Health Hubs will help us work with our partners to ensure families get the comprehensive, culturally responsive care they need.”  

At the heart of the hubs is a diverse, collaborative workforce focused on closing gaps in pre- and post-natal care so families will gain increased access to essential services.  The hubs provide vital support to the community, perinatal health providers, and hospital systems through their access to a diverse workforce. The hubs’ variety of services include access to:  

  • Doulas 
  • Community Health Workers 
  • Peer support specialists 
  • Birth workers  
  • Perinatal specialists

By connecting providers, hospitals, and community organizations, the hubs are designed to create a seamless network of support—helping families navigate care with greater confidence and continuity.  

The bold initiative reflects strong statewide interest in innovative maternal health solutions. VDH received applications from organizations across Virginia during the competitive process, which ran from October 31 to December 1, 2025. A review committee made up of public and private partners evaluated proposals based on organizational capacity, community engagement, project quality, data planning, and long-term sustainability.  

More than 40 organizations applied, reflecting an exceptional level of interest and a strong, forward-looking vision for communities across the Commonwealth. The quality of submissions was outstanding, highlighting both innovation and a clear understanding of evolving community needs. While only four great projects were granted due to limited resources, the opportunities outlined by our applicants speak to future needs of our communities in caring for our families.  Grantees were selected with consideration for regional representation. The pilot program is supported by State General Funds allocated through Chapter 725 of the 2025 Virginia Acts of Assembly. The General Assembly dedicated $2.5 million dollars over two years to establish and fund a minimum of three pilot sites across Virginia. Eligible applicants included private non-profit or for- profit organizations that deliver direct services to pregnant and postpartum families. Government organizations were not eligible.   

As the program moves forward, VDH and its partners will closely track outcomes, gather data, and identify best practices—laying the groundwork for potential expansion and long-term improvements in maternal and infant health across Virginia.