Tag: cancer

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Highlights Persistent Disparities During National Minority Health Month

April 3, 2026.
Media Contact: Dr, Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Highlights Persistent Disparities During National Minority Health Month

WARRENTON, Va. – During National Minority Health Month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is actively working to spotlight the persistent health disparities impacting racial and ethnic minority communities in Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties. These disparities have been documented for decades and reflect longstanding structural and systemic inequities rooted in historical and ongoing racism and discrimination. With the mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to take concrete steps to advance health equity and address the social, economic, and environment conditions that lead to avoidable inequalities.

“During National Minority Health Month, we recognize that while progress has been made, significant disparities in access, cost, and outcomes persist across the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “These gaps, especially among minority and rural communities, underscore the urgent need for targeted, equity-focused solutions. We remain committed to strengthening access, expanding prevention, and ensuring every resident has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.” 

Disparities in Virginia Continue to Persist.

Black and Hispanic/Latino communities across Virginia often experience higher rates of chronic diseases such cardiovascular disease and poor health outcomes compared to their White counterparts. For example:

  • Hospitalization Rate for Cardiovascular Disease: In 2024, the hospitalization rate for cardiovascular disease among Black Virginians was 6,117.4 per 100,000 compared to 3,970 per 100,000 among White Virginians.
  • Infant mortality rate: In 2023, the infant mortality rate among Black Virginians and Hispanic Virginians was 10.3 and 7.7 per 1,000 live births, respectively, compared to 4.4 per 1,000 live births among White Virginians.
  • Cancer: Between 2019 and 2023, the mortality rate for prostate cancer among Black Virginians was 36.7 per 100,000 population compared to 18.8 per 100,000 among White Virginians. During that same period, the mortality rate for colorectal cancer among Black Virginians was 17 per 100,000 compared to 13.1 per 100,000 population among White Virginians.

Local Initiatives

  1. Insurance Coverage Gains: Medicaid expansion & enrollment support, and Outreach to children & families.
  2. Improvements in Some Chronic Indicators: Hypertension awareness & screening, Early-stage prevention programs, and Better clinical management (for some groups)
  3. Mental Health Stabilization (Post-2022): Crisis response expansion.

Statewide Initiatives

Virginia officials are highlighting resources such as the Office of Health Equity’s Health Opportunity Index (HOI), which assist communities in pinpointing specific factors contributing to inequitable and poor health outcomes. With the data from the HOI, local health districts can work with policymakers, community leaders, and concerned residents on the programs and strategies needed to ensure that all Virginians have what they need to live long and healthy lives. Having localized data down to the census tract level helps VDH conduct community outreach, including free health screenings, vaccination events, and educational workshops, and better meet the needs of communities of color.

For more information about programs and services at Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

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The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated.

March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated
March is National HPV Awareness Month.

WARRENTON, Va. — This month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department highlights the importance of preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers and diseases through screening, vaccination, and education.

HPV is spread through close and intimate skin-to-skin contact.  Roughly 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, affecting millions of Americans each year. The HPV virus can cause cervical, throat, anal, and other cancers, but the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool to prevent these health issues.

“During National HPV Awareness Month, we encourage everyone in our community to get informed about HPV and the cancers it can cause,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect our children and ourselves. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District urges families to talk with their healthcare provider and stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls starting at ages 11 to 12. Vaccination can be administered as early as age nine and through age 26 for those who did not get vaccinated earlier. Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Screening for HPV is another safe and effective tool for preventing HPV-related cancer; however, it is not available for all cancers caused by HPV.

  • Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening can include HPV and/or Pap
  • A healthcare provider can help determine which screening test is best and how often a woman should get screened.
  • Eligible women can get free screenings through the Every Woman’s Life Program.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department asks all Virginians to:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your children.
  • Schedule an appointment for HPV vaccination if you or your child is eligible and have not yet received it. The HPV vaccine is available for free through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program for eligible children ages nine to 18 years old.
  • Share information about HPV prevention with family, friends, and your community.

Together, we can make HPV-related cancers a thing of the past. Vaccination is a step toward cancer prevention.

For more information about HPV, the vaccine, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org.

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The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Tips to Help Reduce Cancer Risks

February 12, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Tips to Help Reduce Cancer Risks
February is National Cancer Prevention Month

WARRENTON, Va. – The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is dedicated to protecting the health of its residents by promoting healthy lifestyle choices that serve to combat chronic diseases like cancer. Three of the top four cancers diagnosed in Virginia (breast, lung, and colorectal) are linked to habits that could be modified or steps that could be taken to help prevent the disease.

In honor of National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to remind you of the importance of regular screenings to recognize early warning signs of cancer and understanding lifestyle-related risk factors.

“Cancer prevention starts with everyday choices that support healthy living,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “During National Cancer Prevention Month, we encourage our community to reduce risk by staying active, eating well, avoiding tobacco, and staying up to date on recommended screenings, because prevention is the best protection.”

Cancer affects one in three people in the United States. While cancer is not entirely preventable, you can reduce your risk by making healthy choices. Practice these common behaviors to help prevent cancer:

  • Avoid Tobacco: For the first step in living tobacco free, visit Quit Now Virginia.
  • Eat Healthy Foods: Healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein.
  • Get Active: Physical activity is one of the best things Virginians can do for their health and well-being.
  • Be Safe in the Sun: Take precautions to protect your skin from the sun.
  • Protect against HPV: The best way to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.
  • Know Your Cancer Risk: Talk with your healthcare provider to determine your cancer risks and make sure you get regular cancer screenings. Breast cancer screening (mammograms), colorectal or prostate cancer screening (e.g., colonoscopies or PSA tests) are provided at the UVA hospital: the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District offers Cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV tests).

The Virginia Department of Health’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program (VACCP) focuses on reducing the incidence, morbidity and mortality of all cancers through prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.

To learn more about available cancer prevention programs and resources, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

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Virginia Cancer Registry Releases Cancer Cluster Investigation Report

January 7, 2026
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Cancer Registry Releases Cancer Cluster Investigation Report

GATE CITY, Va. – Virginia Department of Health’s Virginia Cancer Registry (VCR) has released its Scott County pediatric cancer investigation report. The report indicates that cancer rates did not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of a cluster, based on the cases included in the 2014-2023 analysis.

“The results of the current investigation are being shared, but our work will not stop here,” said LENOWISCO Health District Director Reisa Sloce. “We will continue to provide the Virginia Cancer Registry with any additional pediatric cancer information we receive to ensure the most recent cases are reviewed as that data becomes more complete.”

The CDC and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) define a cancer cluster as a greater-than-expected number of same or related cancer cases that occurs within a group of people in a defined geographic area over a specific period of time.

LENOWISCO received 24 survey responses from people in Scott, Lee, and Wise counties, with half the reports from Scott County. Since Scott County reported half the cases, versus the other half of cases reported in two separate localities, the investigation focused on Scott County. Five survey responses met the case definition, and three more cases were identified from current registry data, for a total of eight cases included in the 2014–2023 analysis.

Data for 2024 and 2025 were not included in the investigation, as cancer data takes time to be finalized. The information must be verified, reviewed, analyzed and exchanged with other state registries. The two-year lag is universal across other states. The most recent data will be reviewed once this process is completed.

VCR staff reviewed each patient’s medical reports in the registry to confirm the correct type of cancer, where the cancer started within the patient, and when it was diagnosed. This review included doctors’ notes and test results to ensure accuracy.

Environmental factors such as radon, drinking water and industrial site concerns were also reviewed to identify common environmental exposures. No link to environmental factors were identified.

“LENOWISCO Health District remains committed to supporting Scott County and its residents,” said Sloce. “We are truly invested in the health and wellness of our community and strive to connect you with available resources and address health related concerns.”

The full report is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/virginia-cancer-registry/cancer-clusters/ For more information about cancer data, visit the Virginia Cancer Registry Facilities Dashboard at  www.vdh.virginia.gov/virginia-cancer-registry/data/

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Central Shenandoah Health District Highlights the Importance of UV Safety Awareness

July 21, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Shenandoah Health District Highlights the Importance of UV Safety Awareness

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is reminding residents to protect themselves from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of taking proactive steps now to prevent skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. No matter how much time you plan to spend outdoors enjoying the sunshine and summer activities, you should take extra precautions against the damaging rays which can put yourself at risk for several serious health issues.

“As people spend time at the beach, enjoy outdoor recreational activities or work outside, it is important to remember to protect yourself,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Limiting sun exposure, especially during midday, will protect your skin from the sun’s intense and damaging radiation.”

The Central Shenandoah Health District suggests several steps you can take to protect yourself from UV radiation.

  • Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
  • Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
  • Consider options to protect your children.
  • Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UVA and UVB protection.

Sunscreen protects you from sun exposure by reflecting or absorbing UV rays, but it wears off. Here are some tips on how to apply and select sunscreen:

  • Apply sunscreen to create a thick layer on the skin at least 20 minutes before you are put in the sun.
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
  • Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Use sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
  • Ensure your sunscreen “blocks UVA and UVB” or has “broad spectrum” on the label.
  • Reapply each time you get out of water or sweat heavily.
  • If you are also using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Follow product label instructions to determine how often you need to reapply insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Follow the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of 3 years.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You are also at risk of UV radiation even on cloudy days. Be safe, use common sense and protect yourself from sun damage when outside, no matter what the weather.

The Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia have partnered with the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) and Virginia schools to implement sun safety initiatives. Visit the Cancer Coalition webpage for more information.

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights the Importance of UV Safety Awareness

July 14, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Highlights the Importance of UV Safety Awareness

MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District is reminding residents to protect themselves from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of taking proactive steps now to prevent skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. No matter how much time you plan to spend outdoors enjoying the sunshine and summer activities, you should take extra precautions against the damaging rays which can put yourself at risk for several serious health issues.

“Protecting your skin from UV exposure isn’t just about avoiding sunburn. It’s about reducing your risk of skin cancer and long-term damage. Simple steps like wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and covering up can make a big difference. UV safety is something we can all practice, year-round,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District.

Mount Roger Health District suggests several steps you can take to protect yourself from UV radiation.

  • Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
  • Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
  • Consider options to protect your children.
  • Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UVA and UVB protection.

Sunscreen protects you from sun exposure by reflecting or absorbing UV rays, but it wears off. Here are some tips on how to apply and select sunscreen:

  • Apply sunscreen to create a thick layer on the skin at least 20 minutes before you are put in the sun.
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
  • Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Use sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
  • Ensure your sunscreen “blocks UVA and UVB” or has “broad spectrum” on the label.
  • Reapply each time you get out of water or sweat heavily.
  • If you are also using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Follow product label instructions to determine how often you need to reapply insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Follow the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of 3 years.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You are also at risk of UV radiation even on cloudy days. Be safe, use common sense and protect yourself from sun damage when outside, no matter what the weather.

The Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia have partnered with the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) and Virginia schools to implement sun safety initiatives. Visit the Cancer Coalition webpage for more information.

VDH in the News – June 16, 2025

Posted on by brianlittle

VDH in the News – June 16, 2025

 

Here are some of the items in today’s news scan. Stories include measles, drinking water, alpha-gal, babesiosis, mobile clinics, harmful algal bloom, cancer, and more. Some of the articles may contain specific references to VDH, while others describe issues that may be of interest or concern to VDH. To view a complete article, click the underlined link. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

 

 

Alpha-gal syndrome is gaining recognition in Virginia. For those who have the tick-borne illness, it’s long overdue.
Cardinal News
June 13, 2025
By Emily Schabacker

 

… A bill that passed unanimously during the 2024 General Assembly session added alpha-gal syndrome to Virginia’s list of reportable diseases. Starting July 1, health care professionals must report cases to the Virginia Department of Health. In Virginia, health officials don’t know how many people have the condition because the state hasn’t tracked it, said Cali Anderson, senior epidemiologist for the Central Virginia Health District. ,,, “We will now be able to track what’s occurring with alpha-gal. Up until this time, we haven’t really had a reliable method of tracking other than anecdotal reports,” Anderson said. … While alpha-gal cases are rising in some areas, other tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, declined last year, at least in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts, said Christie Wills, the districts’ public information officer. … “It’s ticks that have been attached longer we’re more worried about. That’s not a hard and fast rule, just a generality,” Wills said.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Tick-borne illnesses expected to rise this season

 

Fairfax County warns of ‘harmful’ algae bloom in Burke Lake
ABC 7 News
June 13, 2025
By Sonia Dasgupta

 

Fairfax County Park Authority is warning the public about a “harmful” algae bloom at Burke Lake. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) states: “Algae are naturally occurring microscopic organisms found in fresh and salt waters of Virginia and around the world.” “Algal blooms can be any color, but the most common ones are red or brown and are known as either ‘red’ or ‘brown tides. Most algal blooms are not harmful, but some do affect fish and humans, as well as other animals like birds and marine mammals. These are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). If water is discolored, murky, has an odor, or if there appears to be a film on the water surface, swimming is not advised for humans or pets,” VDH states.

 

 

VDH reports potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia, D.C. area
Inside NOVA
June 15, 2025
By Inside NOVA Staff

 

The Virginia Department of Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles at Dulles International Airport and the Washington metro area earlier this month. The patient is an international traveler visiting the D.C. area, the VDH said in a Saturday news release. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Health officials investigating possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Health officials investigate measles exposure linked to international traveler in Northern Virginia

 

State health department reports measles exposure in NoVa

 

VDH reports potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia, D.C. area

 

 

City enters into Order of Consent for January water crisis
WWBT 12
June 13, 2025
By 12 On Your Side digital team

 

Richmond and the Virginia Department of Health have entered an agreement months after the January water crisis. The order of consent summarizes a series of violations and what the city is doing to correct them. Among other things, the order confirms a ‘corrective action plan’ that both the city and VDH agreed to. The plan is required after the city received a second violation notice back in April. The violation was issued at the same time as the state’s final report on the water crisis.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Richmond enters agreement with VDH to fix its water system

 

 

Rare tick-borne illness making headway in Virginia
WRIC ABC 8
June 13, 2025
By Madison Moore

 

As summer calls us outdoors, a crucial health warning emerges from medical experts. While Lyme disease often grabs headlines, a lesser-known but increasingly concerning tick-borne illness, babesiosis, is making its presence felt in Virginia. Babesiosis is caused by a tiny parasite carried by the blacklegged tick or “deer tick” — the same ticks notorious for transmitting Lyme disease. … The Virginia Department of Health reports only 17 confirmed cases of babesiosis originating in Virginia since 2016, with most found on the Eastern Shore or in Southwest Virginia.

 

 

Mobile clinics will serve rural health needs
Galax Gazette
June 13, 2025
By Shannon Watkins

 

Two new mobile clinics will provide medical care to underserved areas of Southwest Virginia, focusing on communities like Whitetop, Dugspur, Laurel Fork and Independence. The Mount Rogers Health District, Mount Rogers Community Services and Highlands Community Services teamed up to launch the mobile units.

 

 

UVA Cancer Center Advisory Council shares roadmap for reducing cancer’s impact
Cville Right Now
June 13, 2025
By Dori Zuk

 

The UVA Cancer Center Community Advisory Council (CAC) has developed a community-focused roadmap to reduce cancer’s impact across Virginia and West Virginia. …The roadmap will contribute to the Cancer Center’s plans for research and outreach across the 87 counties it serves in Virginia and West Virginia. UVA Cancer Center has launched a comprehensive sun safety program in local schools through its community outreach and engagement office in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia.