2015 Regional News Releases

December 17, 2015

It’s Not Too Late to get your Flu Shot!
Note: Culpeper Walk–In Immunization Clinics Move to Mondays in January

Culpeper, Va. —The flu season has been slower to start this year, so there is still time to get your flu shot. The Culpeper County Health Department offers the flu shot during its immunization clinic hours on a walk-in basis. Please note that the clinic day is moving to Monday starting in January 2016. Immunizations will be offered on the second through fifth Monday of each month during the hours listed below. No appointment is needed for routine immunizations. more>>


November 24, 2015

Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots

(Charlottesville, Va.) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff will once again test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Charlottesville. The exercise will be held atCharlottesville-Albemarle Health Department at 1138 Rose Hill Dr. from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age at no charge. more>>


November 10, 2015

Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at NELSON Exercise

(Afton, Va.) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff will once again test their capacity to respond to a major public health event by providing free flu shots in Greene. The exercise will be held at Rockfish Valley Community Center at 190 Rockfish Lane, Afton, VA 22920 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10. The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age at no charge. more>>


November 3, 2015

Residents urged to take precautions to prevent rabies risk after rabid raccoon is picked up from South Richmond neighborhood

(Richmond, VA) – The Richmond City Health District is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of people or pets contracting rabies from domestic or woodland animals. more>>


October 30, 2015

CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT SAYS ‘BOO TO THE FLU’
FREE FLU SHOTS IN PRINCE GEORGE THIS SATURDAY

(Petersburg, Va.) – The Crater District Health Departments is conducting an emergency preparedness exercise providing mass flu vaccinations in Prince George County on Saturday, October 31, 2015. Flu vaccinations will be given at JEJ Moore Middle School, 11455 Prince George Drive, Disputanta, VA 23842 from 10 am to 12 pm. The exercise is open to the public, and vaccines are available for those three years of age and older. Parents of minor children must be present to consent for children receiving the vaccine. There is a limited supply of vaccines for this exercise so don’t delay. Say ‘Boo to the Flu’ and get your free flu shot this Saturday. more>>


October 29, 2015

Thomas Jefferson Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at Greene Exercise

(Ruckersville, VA) — Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) staff will once again 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 Nathanael Greene Elementary School at 8094 Spotswood Trail, Stanardsville, VA 22973 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.The vaccine is available to anyone who is at least three years of age at no charge. more>>


October 26, 2015

CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO OFFER FLU VACCINE CLINICS

(Charlottesville, Va.) — The Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department is designating their immunization clinic held on Thursday, October 29 to a flu shot clinic. Influenza (flu) vaccines will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis (no appointment necessary). Residents are asked to bring their insurance card(s) with them. People without insurance can still receive the vaccine. more>>


October 15, 2015

RACCOON FOUND POSITIVE FOR RABIES 200 BLOCK OF NEW STREET IN PETERSBURG

(Petersburg, Va.)-The Crater District Health Departments received confirmation that a raccoon collected from the 200 block of New Street in Petersburg tested positive for rabies. Also, Petersburg Animal Care and Control is monitoring a dog that came in contact with the raccoon. Petersburg Health Department, Petersburg Animal Care and Control and the Petersburg Bureau of Police advise pet owners in this area, and throughout the city, to check shot records for their pets to ensure that their rabies shots are up to date. Additionally, it is important to refrain from feeding or having contact with any wild or stray animals. Parents should remind their children not to approach wild or stray animals, or to touch any animal they do not know as well. more>>


October 2, 2015

AVOID CONTACT WITH WATER IN STONY CREEK

(Petersburg, Va.)- The Crater Health District recommends all Dinwiddie County residents to avoid human contact with, or consumption of water in Stony Creek. Continued sampling by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has shown persistent elevation of Escherichia coli (E.coli) levels in the Stony Creek waterway in Dinwiddie County. These elevated levels occur after prolonged periods of wet weather or heavy rains. It is difficult to pinpoint exact locations at this time, and areas of elevation may continue to change due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding. more>>


September 30, 2015

FALL IS IN THE AIR AND SO ARE MOSQUITOES
Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant Against West Nile Virus

Fall may be here but West Nile Virus (WNV) remains a threat and Northern Virginia residents are urged to stay vigilant against mosquitoes by wearing insect repellent and removing sources of standing water on their property. Recent rains due to seasonal weather systems make this effort especially important. more>>


September 18, 2015

Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Free Flu Shots at State Fair
Saturday, Oct. 3 – Flu Shot Clinic Starts at 10 a.m.

(Fredericksburg, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District will offer free flu shots on Saturday, October 3, beginning at 10 a.m. during the State Fair of Virginia at the Meadow Event Park. The Flu Clinic will take place in the Farm Bureau Center Exhibition Hall on Festival Loop. Only 400 doses of vaccine will be available, and will be offered to anyone 18 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis, until 5 p.m. or until the supply of flu shots runs out. more>>


September 16, 2015

CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT PROMOTES NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

(Petersburg, Va.) – The Crater District Health Departments promote National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme, “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,” encourages families and individuals to take action now. Families and individuals can take action by making a plan to stay safe and communicate with their community, their family and their pets during an emergency. more>>


September 16, 2015

Richmond Public Health Department is making adjustments to services for UCI Bike Race Week

(Richmond, VA) – Public Health services offered by the Richmond City Health District at 400 E. Cary Street will be adjusted during the week of the UCI race. more>>


September 2, 2015

Richmond City Health District Providing School Immunizations on the first day of School

(Richmond, Va.)- The Richmond City Health District is conducting a special School Immunization Clinic on the first day of school for Richmond Public School students on Tuesday, September 8th, 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Health District Clinic located at 400 East Cary Street. more>>


August 27, 2015

IMMUNIZATION CLINIC HOURS EXTENDED FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

(Petersburg, Va.)- This time of year, parents are making sure their children are ready to go back to school. This includes ensuring they have all required immunizations. more>>


August 27, 2015

LOVING STEPS PROGRAM SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO REDUCE INFANT MORTALITY

(Petersburg, Va.)- The Healthy Start/Loving Steps program at the Petersburg Health Department is seeking community support through the creation of a network of people who have diverse expertise and experience.more>>


August 11, 2015

OLD DOMINION EMS ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(RICHMOND, Va.) – The Old Dominion Emergency Medical Services Alliance (ODEMSA) celebrated 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 25 at the Metro Richmond Zoo. more>>


August 11, 2015

Richmond, VA – The Richmond City Health District’s annual Back to School Event for Richmond residents isFriday, August 21st , 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Health District Clinic located at 400 East Cary Street. For easier access to the clinic, use the Main Street entrance located at the corner of 4th and Main Streets. No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome. more>>


August 11, 2015

CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO OFFER BACK-TO-SCHOOL VACCINE CLINICS

(Charlottesville, Va.) — To help families prepare for a new school year, the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department is designating two walk-in (no appointment necessary) back-to-school shot clinics this month: more>>


August 10, 2015

Thomas Jefferson Health District Awarded National Accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board

(Charlottesville, Va.) — The Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD)* 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. Staff at TJHD began working towards national accreditation standards in 2011, and as of Friday, August 7, 2015, is the second accredited health district in Virginia.more>>


August 3, 2015

AVOID HUMAN CONTACT WITH WATER IN STONY CREEK

(Petersburg, Va.)- The Crater Health District advises all Dinwiddie County residents to avoid human contact with, or consumption of water in Stony Creek. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality investigated a complaint of a foul odor in the water, and found traces of fecal Coliform. Dinwiddie County officials recommend residents to refrain from all recreational activities (to include fishing, swimming, and canoeing) until further notice. more>>


July 23, 2015

RACCOON FOUND POSITIVE FOR RABIES, 3000 BLOCK OF SHERWOOD LANE IN HOPEWELL

(Petersburg, Va.)-The Crater Health District received confirmation that a raccoon collected from the 3000 block of Sherwood Lane in Hopewell tested positive for rabies. Hopewell Health Department and Hopewell Animal Control issued a Rabies Information Alert on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. They advise pet owners in this area, and throughout the city, to check shot records for their pets to ensure that their rabies shots are up to date. more>>


July 8, 2015

RAPPAHANNOCK EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(FREDERICKSBURG, Va.) – The Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council (EMS), Inc.
proudly recognized all of the region’s EMS personnel and awarded those nominated for their exceptional service rendered to the community at the annual Regional EMS Awards, June 10, 2015 at the John F. Fick III Conference Center in Fredericksburg. more>>


July 8, 2015

WESTERN VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(ROANOKE, Va.) – The Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. recognized local EMS personnel for their outstanding level of service and dedication at the council’s regional EMS awards ceremony held June 11, 2015 at the Vinton War Memorial. more>>


July 6, 2015

BLUE RIDGE EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(LYNCHBURG, Va.) – The Blue Ridge Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. held its regional EMS awards June 18, 2015 at the Peakland United Methodist Church in Lynchburg. The council celebrated local EMS personnel for the high level of dedicated service they provide and awarded them for their exceptional contribution to the community and the regional EMS system. more>>


July 6, 2015

NORTHERN VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(GAINESVILLE, Va.) – The Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. recognized the exceptional level of service shown by EMS personnel at the council’s regional awards ceremony held June 25, 2015 at the Fairfax Fire Station 403. more>>


July 6, 2015

LORD FAIRFAX EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(WINCHESTER, Va.) – The Lord Fairfax Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. celebrated the remarkable level of dedication and commitment shown by its EMS personnel at the council’s regional awards ceremony held June 17 at the Front Royal Fire Department. more>>


June 29, 2015

TIDEWATER EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(NORFOLK, Va.) – The Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. recognized the tremendous level of service demonstrated by EMS personnel at the council’s regional EMS awards ceremony held June 28 during “Family Day at the Ballpark” at Harbor Park stadium in Norfolk. more>>


June 25, 2015

CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT PROMOTES MEN’S HEALTH

(Petersburg, Va.)-The Crater District Health Departments promote men’s health this month. Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to strengthen awareness of preventable health problems. It is a time to encourage early detection and treatment of disease. more>>


June 24, 2015

COMMUNITY PARTNERS COLLABORATE TO PROVIDE LOCAL, HEALTHY FOODS
(Charlottesville, VA) — In an effort to increase access to local food, community partners are collaborating to offer the Fresh Farmacy: Fruit and Veggie Prescription Program to seventy-six families in the City of Charlottesville. Through this program, patients and their families at three area health clinics are “prescribed” a biweekly supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs grown by local farms. more>>


June 19, 2015

ANIMAL RABIES CASE CONFIRMED IN SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY
Health officials have confirmed the presence of rabies in the 11000 Block of Leavells Road, Spotsylvania County

A stray cat which bit a human on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 has been confirmed as positive for rabies. The cat was collected near a gas station in the 11000 block of Leavells Road in Spotsylvania County on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. more>>


June 19, 2015

THOMAS JEFFERSON HEALTH DISTRICT REMINDS RESIDENTS THAT EXTREME HEAT REQUIRES PROTECTIVE ACTIONS

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


June 16, 2015

CENTRAL SHENANDOAH EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(STAUNTON, Va.) – The Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. celebrated its EMS personnel and the dedicated service that they provided to the region at the council’s regional awards ceremony held June 3, 2015 at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. more>>


June 16, 2015

PENINSULAS EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(GLOUCESTER, Va.) – The Peninsulas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. presented its Regional EMS Awards at “EMS Day” in Busch Gardens, May 23, 2015. The council celebrated its regional EMS personnel and honored the incredible level of service that they provide to the community. more>>


June 15, 2015

Thomas Jefferson Health District WARNS RESIDENTS OF RABIES EXPOSURE

(Charlottesville, VA) — The Thomas Jefferson Health District reminds people that as we spend more time outdoors in the summer, we increase the risk of exposure to rabid animals. more>>


June 10, 2015

Health officials have confirmed the presence of rabies in the Spotswood Furnace Road Area of Spotsylvania County

A gray fox found on Thursday, June 4 was tested and confirmed positive for rabies. The fox was found in the Spotswood Furnace Road Area in Spotsylvania County. The Health Department is notifying the public in case anyone – or any pets – may have had contact with a gray fox in that area on or shortly before June 4. If there has been any contact/exposure between humans and/or domestic animals with this fox (or other wild animal) or a domestic animal behaving abnormally, please report this to Spotsylvania Animal Control and the Spotsylvania Health Department. more>>


June 4, 2015

THOMAS JEFFERSON EMS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN EMS

(Charlottesville, Va.) The Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. thanked its EMS personnel and awarded those who were nominated for their superior level of service to the community during the council’s regional awards ceremony held May 13, 2015 at the East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company. more>>


May 22, 2015

(MANASSAS, Va.) —Volunteers are needed to test how fast life-saving medication can be distributed to the public in the event of an emergency. In an emergency, everyone in an affected area would pick up medicines at designated points of dispensing (PODs). more>>


May 14, 2015

CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT RECOGNIZES TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION MONTH 2015

(Petersburg, Va.)-The Crater District Health Departments recognize Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in May each year. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and associated racial and ethnic disparities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African American and Hispanic teens comprised 57% of US teen births in 2012. more>>


May 7, 2015

Chesterfield Health District Receives $12,500 from March of Dimes to Improve Birth Outcomes

(Richmond, Va.) – The Chesterfield Health District received a check today from the March of Dimes in the amount of $12,500 to sponsor Baby Basics Moms Club, an educational and support program offered to pregnant women aimed at improving birth outcomes. more>>


April 7, 2015

CRATER HEALTH DISTRICT CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK APRIL 6-12, 2015
Healthiest Nation 2030

(Petersburg, Va.)-The Crater Health District celebrates National Public Health Week during the first full week of April each year. Local health departments recognize the significant contributions of public health, and inform the public of the variety of services available to each Crater community. more>>


March 10, 2015

RABID RACCOON IN HENRICO

(Richmond, Va.) – The Henrico Health Department has received confirmation that the remains of a raccoon collected on March 7, 2015 in Henrico County tested positive for rabies infection.

A citizen was attacked by a raccoon while walking in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The raccoon ran out of the woods near the path where they were walking and began to scratch and claw their leg. The raccoon then began to bite the person’s leg and the citizen was able to dispatch the raccoon. The individual is undergoing post-exposure treatment which includes receiving the rabies vaccine. Post-exposure vaccination is extremely effective in preventing rabies. more>>


January 15, 2015

GRANT TO HELP FUND MATERNITY PROGRAM
Mary Washington Hospital Community Benefit Fund Awards Grant to the Rappahannock Area Health District 

(Fredericksburg, Va.)—In January 2015, the Mary Washington Hospital Community Benefit Fund awarded the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) a $120,000 grant for its “Complicated Obstetrical and High Risk Maternity Care Program.” more>>


January 15, 2015

Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Free Flu Shots
Vaccine provided during walk-in hours on Friday, Jan. 23

(Fredericksburg, Va.) —The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District will offer free flu shots Friday, Jan. 23 beginning at 1 p.m. The flu shot clinic will be held at the Fredericksburg Health Department, 608 Jackson St. in Fredericksburg. A limited supply 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 3p.m. or the supply of flu shots runs out. more>>