December 7, 2011
STATE OFFICIALS LAUNCH ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE REGISTRY
New registry helps fulfill health care and end-of-life wishes for Virginians
(Richmond, Va.) The Commonwealth of Virginia today launched its statewide Advance Health Care Directive Registry (AHCDR). An Advance Health Care Directive lets other people know the types of health care you do and do not want in the event you are unable to express your wishes on your own. The secure registry, available to all legal Virginia residents, stores documents that detail and protect health care wishes in the event a person is unable to speak for themselves. These documents include medical power of attorney, do-not-resuscitate orders and other health care wishes. more>>
November 17, 2011
Governor McDonnell Proclaims November 17th as Rural Health Day in Virginia
Health Officials Stress Importance of Rural Health to Virginia’s Vitality
(Richmond, Va.) Recognizing that the health of Virginia’s rural communities influences the overall health of the Commonwealth, Governor Bob McDonnell declares today, November 17, “Rural Health Day” in Virginia. more>>
November 16, 2011
VIRGINIA CELEBRATES HEALTHY BABIES IN HEALTHY FAMILIES
November 17th is World Prematurity Awareness Day
(Richmond, Va.) Virginia has much to celebrate on World Prematurity Awareness Day. The number of late preterm births has decreased; teen pregnancy rates have dropped; more women in Virginia are insured and the smoking rate among women has declined. Additionally, WIC enrollment and breastfeeding rates have gone up. more>>
November 7, 2011
NEW WEBSITE AND STUDENT REGISTRY GIVE STATE A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Robust Health Care Workforce is Vital for a Healthy Virginia
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health recently unveiled a new resource aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce. The Choose Virginia website, www.choosevirginia.net, provides resources to potential and existing health care professionals, even providing assistance to secondary school students beginning to explore career options. more>>
November 4, 2011
COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Fluoridation Program Protects Residents and Saves Health Care Costs
(Richmond, Va.)-The Virginia Department of Health announced this week the recipients of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Water Fluoridation Quality Awards. The honor recognizes community water systems that met a number of stringent community water fluoridation requirements throughout 2010. more>>
October 25, 2011
Health Officials Announce Vendor to Oversee Statewide Health Information Exchange System to Improve Delivery of Health Care Services to Patients
RICHMOND — Secretary of Health and Human Resources William Hazel, Jr., MD, announced today that a selection has been made for a vendor to manage the statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE). Community Health Alliance, a non-profit Virginia-based organization, will be responsible for the creation and governance of the statewide HIE, a secure, confidential, electronic system where a patient’s records will be accessible to other health care providers throughout the nation if a patient chooses to participate. Once implemented, the statewide HIE will improve the speed in which patients receive care, especially if the patient is receiving care from a physician other than their primary care provider. more>>
September 6, 2011
IMMUNIZATION RATES IMPROVE IN VIRGINIA
More children protected against vaccine-preventable diseases
(Richmond, VA) As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, parents have been busy ensuring their children have all the vaccines they need for the first day of school. New state-by-state survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that due to parents’ and providers’ efforts, immunization rates for children and adolescents in Virginia have significantly improved for most vaccines. more>>
September 2, 2011
VIRGINIA HEALTH OFFICIAL APPOINTED TO TOP TENNESSEE POST
Cumberland Plateau Health District Director Dr. John J. Dreyzehner accepts position as Tennessee State Health Commissioner
(Richmond, Va.) – John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, FACOEM, will leave the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) after nine years of service to become Tennessee’s State Health Commissioner, effective September 16, 2011. more>>
August 31, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS DURING IRENE CLEANUP
Generator safety precautions can help prevent poisoning
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Use of gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills following Hurricane Irene can be associated with increased injuries and deaths due to carbon monoxide. As many Virginians have begun using alternate means to provide electricity and cooking capabilities, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging the public to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide exposure that can be a silent killer after a storm. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas and is highly poisonous. more>>
August 31, 2011
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES PRECAUTIONS FOR RESTAURANTS REGARDING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY
(RICHMOND, Va.)—Many restaurants are reopening after Hurricane Irene, but they need to take appropriate precautions to ensure food and water safety. The risk of food poisoning is heightened when refrigerators and ovens are inoperable. Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. more>>
August 26, 2011
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES CHESAPEAKE BAY AND SEASIDE EASTERN SHORE TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore west of and including the Virginia Inside Passage, also known as the Intracoastal Waterway, will be closed to shellfish harvesting due to anticipated severe weather associated with Hurricane Irene. more>>
August 24, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS PROVIDE POST-EARTHQUAKE ADVICE TO WELL OWNERS
Owners should inspect structural integrity and check water clarity
(Richmond, Va.) In the aftermath of the August 23rd earthquake, private well owners may notice changes in the appearance of their water supplies or may have concerns about the quality of their water supply. Well owners should inspect the structural integrity of their well and also the clarity of the water coming from the well. more>>
August 21, 2011
Health Officials Inform Travelers of Possible Measles Exposure
Amtrak Northeast Regional train #171 (Massachusetts to Virginia) on August 17 only; Passengers should check vaccination status
(RICHMOND, Va.) Out of an abundance of caution, the Virginia Department of Health is informing people who were passengers on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train #171 on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, that they may have been exposed to a person with measles. more>>
August 13, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS REMIND VIRGINIANS TO PRACTICE HEALTHY SWIMMING BEHAVIORS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER
Germs on and in swimmers’ bodies can make people sick; caution recommended regarding swimming in stagnant or shallow freshwater when temperature rises
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health reminds everyone about the steps they can take to prevent recreational water illnesses. more>>
August 5, 2011
MORE VIRGINIA MOTHERS CHOOSE TO BREASTFEED
Breastfed Babies are Healthier, Less Likely to Be Obese
(Richmond, Va.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2011 Breastfeeding Scorecard shows that more women in Virginia are choosing to breastfeed their babies. The rate of women initiating breastfeeding has increased to 79.1 percent in 2008 from 75.3 percent in 2007. These rates exceed the national rate of 74.6 percent, and exceed the goal of Healthy People 2010. more>>
May 25, 2011
REMINDER: STATE DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS MOVING TO NEW LOCATION
Office to Close May 25-30
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records is moving from its current location at The Shops at Willow Lawn in Richmond, Virginia. more>>
May 12, 2011
Virginia Department of Health Announces 2011 Nurse of the Year
Fairfax County Health Department Nurse Honored
(RICHMOND, Va.) For nearly a century, public health nurses have played a critical role in responding to emergencies. Most recently, Virginia public health nurses served on the frontlines during recovery efforts after an unprecedented number of tornadoes cut a path of destruction through the state. During the response to these storms, public health nurses provided support and essential care, such as triaging injuries and illness, providing vaccinations to prevent disease and helping hundreds of residents prevent further injury after the storms. more>>
May 10, 2011
STATE DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS MOVING TO NEW LOCATION
Office to Close May 25-30
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records is moving from its current location at The Shops at Willow Lawn in Richmond, Virginia. more>>
April 14, 2011
Funding Available for Organizations Serving Summer Meals to Virginia Children
Deadline to apply for this year’s Summer Food Service Program is April 29, 2011.
(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is looking for organizations that can serve meals to children during the summer months. Organizations that participate in the Summer Food Service Program will be reimbursed by VDH for the meals that are served as well as the administrative costs of serving the meals. New participants also will receive training and technical assistance from VDH. more>>
April 6, 2011
PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) CONTINUES TO CIRCULATE IN VIRGINIA
Vaccination is most effective way to prevent pertussis. Boosters recommended for teens and adults.
(Richmond, Va.) – With spring break just around the corner and the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends, the Virginia Department of Health urges everyone to take precautions to prevent the spread of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. more>>
April 5, 2011
PREVENT INJURIES. DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED.
(Richmond, Virginia) – The impact of distracted driving is staggering. In the last five years, there were over 140,000 motor vehicle crashes in Virginia that involved driver distraction, which equates to three crashes every hour.more>>
March 27, 2011
HEALTH OFFICIALS DISCUSS RADIATION MONITORING IN VIRGINIA
Multiple monitoring systems across the Commonwealth continue to show no levels of public health concern.
(Richmond, Va.)— “As a result of the incident with the nuclear power plant in Japan, several EPA air monitors have detected very low levels of radioactive material in the U.S.,” says State Health Commissioner Karen Remley, MD, MBA, FAAP. “To date, none of Virginia’s multiple monitoring systems has detected a level of radioactive material that would pose a public-health concern.” more>>
March 24, 2011
TUBERCULOSIS: FACT VS. FICTION
Get the Facts on World TB Day March 24
(Richmond, Va.) Tuberculosis (TB) was the first program established within the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) over a century ago. In spite of the misconception that it is no longer a health threat, TB continues to infect Virginians of all races, ages and walks of life. Do you know fact from fiction when it comes to TB? more>>
February 9, 2011
Influenza Intensity Is High – If you Missed Your Flu Shot, Get it Now!
(Richmond, Va.) Cases of influenza have significantly increased in Virginia. In the past few weeks the intensity of influenza activity has risen from low to high. This means that more people are seeing their doctors for symptoms of influenza now than at any other time during this flu season, and people are at greater risk for catching the flu right now. more>>
February 3, 2011
MEDIA ADVISORY – PRESS CONFERENCE
Local Health Organizations Collaborate for Optimal Breast Health Services for Women in Lee, Wise and Scott Counties and Norton City more>>