Tag: cshd

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges Residents to Be Prepared for the Unpredictable Impacts of Winter Weather

December 12, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges Residents to Be Prepared
for the Unpredictable Impacts of Winter Weather
Stay Safe This Winter with These Tips

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District reminds residents that winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. Snow, ice, and freezing conditions can lead to unexpected injuries and accidents. These conditions can increase the risk of hazardous travel, power outages, and health impacts, especially for older adults, children, and people with chronic health problems.

“Being prepared is half the battle,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “We’ve already seen some snow this year, so this is a good reminder to prepare for the coming months. Good preparedness makes unexpected weather safer and easier for you and your family.”

By preparing ahead of time you can avoid emergencies, protect your health and keep your loved ones safe. Follow these tips to be better prepared for the cold weather season.

  • Have an emergency kit with supplies such flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, and water.
  • Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
  • Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
  • Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies.
  • Use space heaters safely. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.

Preparation before dangerous winter weather arrives is critical. The best time to prepare for severe winter weather is now, before temperatures drop significantly and staying safe and warm becomes a challenge. Take these precautions to lower your risk of illness.

  • Wear cold appropriate clothing like gloves, hats, scarves and snow boots.
  • Be aware of the wind chill factor.
  • Remove any wet clothing immediately.
  • Limit your time outdoors.

If you plan to travel, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides travel advisories on current road conditions and weather forecasts. Travelers can easily access weather information by dialing 511, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or via the website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Learn more about staying safe this winter by visiting the Central Shenandoah Health District at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/

Central Shenandoah Health District Observes World AIDS Day

December 1, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Observes World AIDS Day
Wear a Red Ribbon to Show Your Support

STAUNTON, Va. — The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) recognizes December 1 as World AIDS Day and encourages communities to stand together, united with a red ribbon. Remember those who have been lost, unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and raise awareness to prevent new cases of HIV.

“About 13% of those living with HIV are unaware of their positive status,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Getting tested is the only way to know your status for sure. We now have many medications that can treat HIV infection and can help people live long and healthy lives, so getting tested early before you may have symptoms is important.”

CSHD provides STI testing at the Staunton-Augusta, Harrisonburg-Rockingham, and Waynesboro-Augusta health departments. You can make an appointment for STI testing by calling (540) 332-7830.

More than 28,000 people are living with HIV in Virginia, including 424 people within CSHD. More than 75% of people with HIV in Virginia are men, and more than half are 50 years or older. While Black, non-Hispanic people make up 19% of the population in the Commonwealth, 56% of people with HIV identify as Black, non-Hispanic in Virginia.

Support from family and friends can be helpful. If you know of anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV, help is available. Financial assistance with medication costs or copays is available through local, state, or federal programs. Visit the Virginia Department of Health to learn about prevention, treatment, financial assistance, STI data, and other related resources.

To learn more about HIV:

Let’s work to fight against HIV and AIDS. The Central Shenandoah Health District encourages you to wear a red ribbon on December 1. To make an STI testing appointment, call CSDH at (540) 332-7830.

Diabetes Often Goes Undetected: Are You at Risk?

November 17, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

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

STAUNTON, 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 Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) 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 costs 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. 13% of adults living in CSHD have 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.

“Untreated diabetes is dangerous for your health in ways you might not be aware of,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “For example, it is the leading cause of lower limb amputations in the U.S.”

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

For more information on local programs and resources, contact The Central Shenandoah Health District directly at (540) 332-7830 or visit the VDH Diabetes Resource Page.

Central Shenandoah Health District Encourages All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

October 23, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Encourages All Residents to
Get Vaccinated for the Flu

STAUNTON, Va. – With the 2025-26 influenza (flu), season officially underway, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) encourages everyone six months and older who lives, works or plays in the Shenandoah Valley to receive their annual influenza vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season. Last season, Virginia reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks. CSHD reported over 2,000 cases of flu last flu season.

“The flu is not a mild illness,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Even though we experience flu season every year, it’s important to make sure you are protected each annual flu season by getting vaccinated. Flu shots help maintain the health of our whole community.”

Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity often peaks in January or February.

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.

You should get the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.

Influenza is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. The flu is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

  • Get vaccinated.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand.
  • Stay at home when you are sick.

It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For more information, call the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at (540) 332-7830 or visit the VDH flu page.

Central Shenandoah Health District Reminds Residents About Lead Poisoning Hazards

October 20, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Reminds Residents About Lead Poisoning Hazards
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 19-25

STAUNTON, Va. – Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 19-25. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is committed to educating the community about lead poisoning. Childhood exposure can be reduced if families can recognize and lessen lead hazards within the home.

Lead is a highly toxic and naturally occurring metal found in the environment. Lead can cause negative health effects. Even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, behavioral issues and attention and learning problems.

“There is no safe blood level of lead,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “It’s important to take any elevated levels seriously to help identify and remove the source of exposure, especially for children.”

Common sources of lead exposure include:

  • Paint found in houses built before 1978.
  • Soil surrounding old buildings or near airports, highways, or factories.
  • Water from lead pipes.
  • Certain jobs and hobbies.
  • Consumer products including some imported toys, jewelry, spices, candies, and medicines.

Most children with elevated blood lead levels will not have any physical symptoms. Higher blood levels can cause headaches, irritability, hearing loss and abdominal pain. If you are concerned about potential lead exposure should talk to your health care provider about testing. A blood lead test is the only sure way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead.

Simple prevention measures to reduce the risk of exposure include:

  • Cleaning floors and surfaces regularly using wet methods.
  • Washing children’s hands, toys, and bottles often.
  • Preventing children from playing in bare soil.
  • Removing shoes before entering the home.
  • Preparing nutritious meals high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
  • Using cold tap water for cooking and drinking.
  • Keeping paint intact and undisturbed.

The Virginia Department of Health recently introduced a new public education campaign aimed at helping families recognize and reduce lead hazards in their homes. The campaign features an alligator mascot named “Chip,” who helps people spot a telltale sign of lead-based paint: cracked, scaly surfaces that look like alligator skin.

For more information on how to keep your family safe from lead exposure, visit the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program webpage or contact the Central Shenandoah Health Districts Environmental Health office at (540) 332-7830.

High Five for Hand Hygiene!

October 15, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

High Five for Hand Hygiene!
Central Shenandoah Health District has the Dirt on Global Handwashing Day 

STAUNTON, Va. – In honor of Global Handwashing Day, October 15, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) has some dirt on people that will probably gross you out! We also have some fun ideas for teaching kids the right way to wash.

The filthy truth:

  • Poop from unwashed hands frequently makes people sick.
  • A single gram of poop, about the weight of a paper clip, can contain one trillion germs.
  • Only 63% of people were seen washing their hands after using public restrooms.
  • Nearly half of U.S. adults admit to not washing their hands at other key times, such as before preparing food or eating.
  • Germs often spread when someone coughs or sneezes into their hands and then touches another person or thing (handrails, toys, etc.).

Handwashing is a simple and inexpensive way to kill germs.

“Personal responsibility, like washing your own hands, is part of caring for our whole community,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “I am a big advocate of handwashing. Always remember to scrub your hands with soap and water. Proper handwashing benefits you and those around you by eliminating those germs that can make everyone sick.”

Scrubbing with soap and water can cut cases of diarrhea by up to 40%, slash missed school days from tummy bugs by nearly 60%, and reduce colds and coughs by more than 20%.

The key is to wash your hands properly. Proper handwashing means scrubbing for at least 20 seconds between the fingers and under the nails. Encourage your kids to properly wash their hands by making it fun with songs or games.

  • Sing “Happy Birthday to You” song twice or the “Alphabet Song.”
  • Put glitter on their hands and pretend it’s germs. They need to get rid of all of them!
  • Use colored or scented soap.
  • Get a blacklight and look at hands before (dirty) and after washing (clean).
  • Print posters or stickers to promote good handwashing habits.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To learn more, visit the VDH Hand Hygiene page or contact Central Shenandoah Health District at (540) 332-7830.

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

Posted on by lindascarborough

September 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

STAUNTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. CSHD has had 16 animals test positive for rabies so far in 2025.

“Rabies is a fatal disease,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Vaccinating your pets protects them from other animals that might have rabies. Not only does vaccination prevent your pets from getting rabies, it prevents your pets from biting and spreading the virus to humans.”

Virginia law requirecshs all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities by calling 540-332-3842.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Central Shenandoah Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact Staunton Animal Control at 540-332-3842 or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares the Importance of Heart Health

September 29, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares the Importance of Heart Health
World Heart Day is September 29

STAUNTON, Va. – World Heart Day is September 29. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to add healthy habits into your daily lives to prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. Simple lifestyle changes can improve your odds of experiencing heart-related issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

“Establishing healthy habits is crucial for your future wellbeing,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director of CSHD. “Heart disease can sneak up on you if you don’t incorporate those behaviors and factors to improve your overall health.”

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Other leading preventable risk factors include:

  • High LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Physical inactivity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity

If you have a heart attack, you are more likely to survive if you know the signs and symptoms. The major symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
  • Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
  • Shortness of breath

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information about heart disease, visit the Virginia Department of Health Heart Disease webpage or contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

Prepare Today to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Disaster

September 8, 2025

Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Prepare Today to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Disaster
Central Shenandoah Health District Supports National Preparedness Month

STAUNTON, Va. – It is important to plan ahead so you are ready before a disaster happens. September is National Preparedness Month, which is all about getting ready for emergencies. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) wants you to make a plan, put together an emergency kit or “go bag,” and use easy, low-cost ideas to get ready.

“Emergencies don’t happen on a schedule, they don’t happen when it’s convenient, and they don’t tell you when they’re coming,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Preparedness month is a great time for you to create an emergency plan for you and your family, so that when an emergency does happen, you’re not caught off guard.”

Talking with your family and friends about being prepared is the first step. Even though it can be hard to talk about disasters, planning ahead will help you and your community be ready. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Choose a time when everyone feels comfortable talking about emergency plans.
  • You can have more than one conversation, so everyone feels good about the plan.
  • Share what you have done to get ready and ask others what works for them.

All year the Central Shenandoah Health District partners with the community to help keep you safe. We plan, work together, teach, and act quickly to handle any health emergency, like disease outbreaks or other dangers.

Disasters can happen and have serious impacts, so talking about them now helps keep your community safe. For more information on how to get ready for different emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.

We All Have a Role to Play in Making Suicide as Preventable as Possible

September 10, 2025

Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

We All Have a Role to Play in Making Suicide as Preventable as Possible
September is Suicide Prevention Month

STAUNTON, Va. – September 10 is Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to raise awareness, remember those we’ve lost, and strengthen our connections. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) invites you to join us by sharing resources that can save lives. Together, we can help prevent suicide.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Virginia. In 2023, 1,234 Virginians lost their lives to suicide. 50 of those deaths occurred within the Central Shenandoah Health District.

“Mental health is a vital part of our community’s wellbeing,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “There are resources available for anyone who might need help, and it’s important to know you are not alone.”

Here are some ways to get involved during Suicide Prevention Month:

Take the free Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training to learn about limiting access to guns, medications, and other items that could cause harm. You can also access free, custom guidelines and resources from Lock & Talk Virginia.

For more on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, reach out to the VDH Suicide Systems Project.