Tag: alton hart jr.

Every Family Deserves a Healthy Start

April 15, 2026

Media Contact: Jerlissa McElroy, Jerlissa.McElroy@vdh.virginia.gov

Media Contact: RaShel.Charles, RaShel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Every Family Deserves a Healthy Start
Crater Health District Supports Healthy Pregnancies During Black Maternal Health Week

PETERSBURG, Va. – Pregnancy is often a time of joy and uncertainty. During Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, the Crater Health District (CHD) is working to help more families experience safe, supported, and healthy pregnancies.

Black women are twice as likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause as White women and more likely to die from cardiac related causes. The Maternal & Child Health and the Women Infants and Children (WIC) programs provide support and connect families to healthcare, nutritious food, and items needed to support healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

“Supporting Black maternal health is essential to building a healthier community for everyone. The continuing disparities facing Black mothers demand focused attention and strong partnerships,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “We are committed to ensuring that every family receives respectful quality care and the resources necessary for a healthy start.”

The Crater Health District offers several services that can help families thrive. CHD offers maternity services at all health department locations. CHD has three certified doulas/ community health workers (CHWs) who are trained to support pregnant and parenting people in the community. These trusted individuals teach pregnant individuals about childbirth. They understand different cultures and beliefs so they can help to eliminate disparities in care. They are trained to coach families through the emotional and physical process of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. They can also help connect people to resources such as healthy food and help navigate the healthcare system.

“Every Black mother deserves respectful, safe, and culturally centered care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Our team is committed to listening to families, elevating their voices, and expanding access to the resources that support healthy beginnings throughout pregnancy and into parenthood,” said Jerlissa McElroy, Maternal & Child Health Program Specialist.

The Crater Health District Safe Sleep Program is designed for pregnant individuals and families of children to improve infant care and address health. For those who qualify, the program provides Free Pack & Play portable cribs, safe sleep kits, educational resources, and a team that can help work through questions or issues for families. CHWs can assist with connecting families to WIC, breastfeeding support, finding baby care supplies, and more resources. For more information about the Maternal & Child Health and Safe Sleep Program, please contact Jerlissa.McElroy@vdh.virginia.gov.

The WIC Program is designed to give children the very best beginning through healthy foods, nutrition education and access to health care. Pregnant women and children (up to age five) who qualify receive monthly food benefits. Benefits include breastfeeding support and eWIC cards for healthy foods such as milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The Crater Health District served approximately 2800 WIC clients last year. Those who participate in the WIC program have improved birth outcomes and increased breastfeeding rates. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a nutritional and financial need.

These programs help every family get a healthy start. Families can sign up for these services by calling 804-863-1562 or visit Crater Health District.

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Crater Health Districts Says Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community

March 26, 2026
Media Contact: Kayla Barber, Kayla.Barber@vdh.virginia.gov

Media Contact: Rashel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health Districts Says Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community
March is National Nutrition Month in Virginia

PETERSBURG, Va. – One in four people are living with obesity in the United States. In Virginia, it’s closer to one in three (32%). 2024, approximately 32% of Virginia adults were classified as obese. March is National Nutrition Month, and the Crater Health District (CHD) wants to remind you that nutrition plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only about 12% of adults reported eating the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

“National Nutrition Month is a great reminder that healthy eating starts right here in our community. When families have access to fresh foods, local resources, and practical guidance, everyone has a better chance to thrive,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “Our health department is proud to offer nutrition resources and provide food boxes to help the community.”

Eating healthier can change your health outcomes. Crater Health District has implemented a variety of programs to address nutrition and food security across the state. CHD offers programs, such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, nutrition education and counseling, supplemental nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, health screenings and referrals, immunization referrals and monitoring, farmers market nutrition program (FMNP), and FEEDMORE resources to provide access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health services to thousands of Virginians each year.

“Celebrate National Nutrition Month with the Crater Health District WIC Program and discover how powerful good nutrition can be, said Kayla Barber, WIC Coordinator, Crater Health District. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under five, your local WIC office can connect you with nutritious foods. Rather than scroll through diet trends on social media, apply for WIC and gain access to nutrition experts. Let us help your family stay nourished, healthy, and confident on any budget.”

Crater Health District wants you to consider these five tips for proper daily nutrition:

  • Eat a Variety of Foods: Include a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your daily meals to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.
  • Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Grains: Whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread) provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains.
  • Limit Added Sugars and Salt: Reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts, and salty snacks, and check nutrition labels for hidden sugars and sodium.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, aiming for at least 6–8 cups unless your healthcare provider directs otherwise.
  • Practice Portion Control and Mindful Eating: Be aware of portion sizes, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating.

Throughout March, CHD encourages you to take this opportunity to learn more about nutrition, explore local resources, and adopt healthier eating habits.

  • Find an accountability partner to keep you on track.
  • Start with small practices and build your plan of healthier habits.
  • Try new, healthier practices at your favorite restaurant and be mindful of the decisions you make to stay on track.

Visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthy-communities/healthy-food-environments/ for nutrition resources or contact the Crater Health District at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District for more information.

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Diabetes Often Goes Undetected: Are You at Risk?

November 26, 2025
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Diabetes Often Goes Undetected: Are You at Risk?
Crater Health District Has Tips for National Diabetes Awareness Month

PETERSBURG, Va.– Did you know that one in four Virginians has diabetes and doesn’t know it? More than two million adults in Virginia have prediabetes putting them at risk for major health problems even early death. But it’s not too late. Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the disease and improve your overall health. The Crater Health District (CHD) can help you get on the right track.

Why should you care? Untreated diabetes can do real damage to your body, to include:

  • Long term organ damage
  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Nerve damage
  • Vision loss/blindness
  • Dementia
  • Mental health issues

Diabetes also cost a lot of money! People with diabetes pay twice as much for medical expenses than those who don’t have the disease. Direct medical expenses for those diagnosed with diabetes in Virginia totaled more than $412 billion in 2022.

Your risk for developing type 2 diabetes is higher if:

  • You’re overweight.
  • You have a family history of diabetes.
  • You had diabetes while you were pregnant (gestational diabetes).
  • You live in a rural area. In Virginia, rural areas report higher rates of diabetes. The VDH, and the Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education, are working to improve healthcare access and reduce disparities. The Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022–2026 was created for this purpose.

“Diabetes affects thousands of individuals in CHD, but with regular screening, healthy eating, and physical activity, we can significantly reduce its impact,” said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv. “This month, we are reminding residents that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.  Early intervention and prevention can save lives and build healthier communities.”

Crater Health District offers these tips to get you on the right track:

For more information on local programs and resources, contact Crater Health District directly at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District. For more information on Diabetes visit the VDH Diabetes Resource Page.

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Prince George

January 9, 2025
Media Contact: Tara Rose, tara.rose@vdh.virginia.gov 

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Prince George

PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus near Arwood Road in Prince George, VA.  The Prince George Health Department and Prince George Animal Control encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.

Anyone having information regarding exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office, at 804-863-1652. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Arwood Road and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected raccoon. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

“Rabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

The Health Department strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:

  • Vaccinate all cats, dogs, and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
  • Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
  • Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals or stray cats and dogs to visit your premises

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Prince George Animal Control at 804-991-3200 have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell

September 13, 2024

For More Information Contact: Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell

HOPEWELL, Va. – On September 10, a stray tabby cat (black, gray, brown) approximately 5 months old was found near a home on Stonewall Ave. in Hopewell. The cat bit someone and has since tested positive for rabies. Upon investigation, this is within a one-mile radius where a rabid fox was discovered on 8/8/24. The Environmental Health and Animal Control teams are canvassing the area where the animals were found. The Hopewell Health Department and Hopewell Animal Services encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Stonewall Ave. and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

“Rabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

The Health Department strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs, and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
• Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
• Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
• Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
• Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
• Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact the Hopewell Animal Services Unit at 804-541-2204. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.