Tag: dr. scott spillmann

Southside Health District Celebrates National Public Health Week by Hosting Open Houses

April 2, 2026

Media Contact: Chris Garrett Local Health Emergency Coordinator, christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Celebrates National Public Health Week
by Hosting Open Houses
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week

CHASE CITY, Va — On April 9, 2026, the Southside Health District (SSHD) will be hosting open houses at its district offices. The open house events are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of the National Public Health Week.

“Stop by and chat with our staff, learn more about what we do and take a closer look” said Scott Spillmann, MD MPH, Director of Pittsylvania Danville & Southside Health Districts. “We are here to help you receive the public health resources you need. National Public Health Week is a time in America that celebrates public health achievements, raises awareness about health issues, and honors public health professionals. It’s also a great time for a public health check-up.”

SSHD is proud to continue this tradition and invites you to join us in this celebration.  Please come visit one of our Southside Health District offices at:

Brunswick County Health Department                 Halifax County Health Department
1632 Lawrenceville Plank Road                               1030 Cowford Road
Lawrenceville, VA 23868                                          Halifax, VA 24558
(434) 868-2525                                                           (434) 476-4863

 

Mecklenburg County Health Department (2 sites)

Clinical Services                                                   Environmental Health, Epidemiology, MRC
200 East Fifth Street                                           478 Washington Street
Chase City, VA 23924                                          Boydton, VA 23917
(434) 372-8289                                                     (434) 738-0001

Blood pressure checks are essential to knowing your numbers. Staff at Brunswick County, Halifax County, and the Chase City office in Mecklenburg County will be ready to take your blood pressure free of charge.

Rapid Revive training with free Narcan will be available at the health department offices of Brunswick, Halifax, and both Mecklenburg County offices. Rapid REVIVE teaches you how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone. The program is designed to educate people on the signs of an overdose and the importance of naloxone to reserve the opioid.

For more information about our community health classes, contact Amanda Hutchins, Southside Health District Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator at 804-914-2608.

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Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Hosting Open Houses

April 3, 2026

Media Contact: Chris Garrett Local Health Emergency Coordinator, christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District

Hosting Open Houses

April 6 thru 12 is National Public Health Week

Danville, Va — On April 9, 2026, the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District (PDHD) will be hosting open houses at its district offices. The open-house events are from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. as part of National Public Health Week.

“We encourage our neighbors and community members to stop by and chat with our staff,” said Pittsylvania Danville & Southside Health Districts Director, Scott Spillmann, MD, MPH. “This event will give you a better understanding of all the programs and services we provide in your local health department. National Public Health Week (and month) is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates public health achievements, raises awareness about health issues, and honors public health professionals. It’s also a great time to get to know us.”

We at PDHD are proud to help continue this tradition, and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration.  We are here for YOU. Please come visit one of our Pittsylvania-Danville Health District offices listed below:

Danville Health Department                                Pittsylvania County Health Department
326 Taylor Drive                                                  200 H.C. McGee Drive
Danville, VA 24541                                             Chatham, VA 24531

(434) 766-9828                                                    (434) 433-3520

Knowing your blood pressure numbers could help to save your life. The health departments in Danville and Pittsylvania County will be conducting free blood pressure checks for anyone needing to know their numbers and what they mean for their health.

Rapid Revive with free Narcan distribution will be available at Danville Health Department. Rapid REVIVE teaches you how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone. The program is designed to educate people on the signs of an overdose and the importance of naloxone to reserve the opioid.

For more information about our open house, please contact Brenna Link at 434-421-3654.

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Southside Health District Encourages REVIVE Training, and CPR in Chase City

October 30, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia PIO, brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Encourages REVIVE Training, and CPR in Chase City
New Meeting Location Listed Below

CHASE CITY, Va. – The Southside Health District encourages you to sign up for both Revive and CPR training on Saturday, November 8. You will learn how these recovery practices can save a life in this free, two-session training. The REVIVE! training is from 9-11 a.m. that day and the CPR class is from 12-2 p.m. Both classes are being held at a NEW LOCATION – the Fire Department in Chase City. 213 E 2nd St, Chase City, VA 23924

“Taking the REVIVE! training we offer and knowing how to properly use Naloxone when needed, or applying CPR in an emergency could help to save someone’s life,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania Danville Health Department.

Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that is being found in illegal drugs across Virginia. Just a tiny amount can cause an overdose that may be deadly. More than 90 percent of overdose deaths are accidental. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) works with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to offer free REVIVE! training classes throughout Virginia.

The REVIVE! training is from 9-11 a.m. that day and the CPR class is from 12-2 p.m. Both classes are being held at the Fire Department in Chase City. 213 E 2nd St, Chase City, VA 23924.

  • Participants will learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, respond to an opioid emergency, and effectively use Naloxone. Naloxone is now an over-the-counter medication that reverses an overdose that might otherwise be fatal. CPR teach hands-on lifesaving skills for adults, children and infants as well as AED use.
  • To register, complete the online form or call (804) 914-2608. Space is limited, so register today. The training is open to all community members and there are no prerequisites to participate. Upon completion, each participant will receive two doses of Naloxone nasal spray. The training takes approximately 60 minutes.
  • An opioid overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you think an overdose may occur, it is important to act quickly to save a life and call 911 immediately.

For more information or to schedule additional trainings, contact Amanda Hutchins at (804) 914-2608 or amanda.hutchins1@vdh.virginia.gov.

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Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!

July 30, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia Region PIO/brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!
Pittsylvania Danville Health Department Holding Vaccination Clinics

DANVILLE, Va. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.

“Vaccinations help fight against some preventable diseases. I encourage parents to attend one of our clinics and take advantage of this opportunity to prepare their child for school. Together, we can help improve our children’s health” said Pittsylvania/Danville Health District Director Dr. Scott Spillmann.

Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including some cases in Virginia.

“We must encourage parents and guardians to help public health lessen the burden increasing infectious disease by taking necessary precautions,” said Dr. Spillmann.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.  Vaccines are available through private physicians, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

The Pittsylvania/Danville Health District will offer school-required immunizations free of charge during its normal vaccination clinics as listed below. Call to make an appointment.

Walk-in availability for rising 7th and 12th graders:  

Tuesday, August 5 Danville 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Chatham 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Danville 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Friday, August 8 Chatham 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here.   Supplies may be limited so we encourage parents to respond quickly in order to get their child vaccinated while supplies last.

If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card.  Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children program which offers free vaccines to eligible children.

VDH encourages parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to find one last minute. You can Locate A VVFC  Provider by simply entering your zip code on the VDH website.

 

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Southside Health District Offers REVIVE, CPR Training in South Boston

April 25, 2025
Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Offers REVIVE, CPR Training in South Boston

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — Southside Health District, in collaboration with the Southside Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Southside Behavioral Health, will offer free CPR and REVIVE!

Date: Saturday, May 3
Location: Ash Avenue Baptist Church, 900 Ash Ave., South Boston

Scheduled Classes:
Instruction provided by Southside MRC
CPR – 10 a.m. – Noon
REVIVE! class – 1 – 2 p.m.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
To preregister, complete the online form or call (804) 914-2608.

“Opioid overdose is one of the leading causes of unnatural death in Virginia,” said Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “CPR and REVIVE! training provide essential skills to help people respond to individuals experiencing a medical emergency.”

REVIVE! participants will gain skills to respond to an opioid emergency and learn how to effectively use naloxone. Upon completion, the class participants will receive two free doses of naloxone, two face shields and two pairs of gloves. People aged 18 and older are encouraged to attend REVIVE! training. Minors are welcome to observe the classes with parental consent.

In addition to the REVIVE! classes, community members will be given the opportunity to learn how to save lives through CPR. Individuals of all ages may register for this class.

Heart attacks and opioid overdose are life-threatening medical emergencies. If you think either a heart attack or an overdose may be occurring, it is important to act quickly to save a life and call 911 immediately.

For more information, or to schedule additional trainings, contact Amanda Hutchins at (804) 914-2608 or amanda.hutchins1@vdh.virginia.gov.

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Pittsylvania Danville and Southside Health Districts to Temporarily Close Mecklenburg County Health Department

April 9, 2025

Media Contact:

Chris Garrett, local health emergency coordinator/public information officer, Christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania Danville and Southside Health Districts to Temporarily Close Part of the Mecklenburg County Health Department


DANVILLE, Va. – The Mecklenburg County Health Department office located at 969 Madison Street in Boydton, VA will close on April 10, 2025, at 5p.m. for repairs due to water damage to its floors. The repairs will take some time, and we will announce when we return to normal operations.

We apologize for any inconvenience that the repairs may cause, but we are committed to the safety of our visitors and staff.

The Mecklenburg County WIC office located at 478 Washington Street, Boydton, VA, will be hosting some staff during the repairs to our Madison Street site. Please call (434) 738-0001 or stop by and they can assist you.

During this time, daily operations will be adjusted. Environmental Health, Epidemiology and vital records will be at the WIC office located at 478 Washington Street, Boydton, VA.

If you have a clinic appointment scheduled, health department staff will be contacting you.

Some services may be directed to our other offices located at:

  • Brunswick County Health Department 1632 Lawrenceville Plank Road, Lawrenceville, VA. Phone: (434) 848-2525
  • Halifax County Health Department 1030 Cowford Road, Halifax, VA. Phone: (434) 476-4863

“While it’s a difficult decision, keeping everyone safe is of the upmost importance.  Please know that our commitment to serving you remains stronger than ever. We deeply value the trust and support you place in us, and we’re dedicated to finding new ways to connect and assist you during this time. Together, we can navigate these challenges and emerge even stronger. Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Stay tuned for updates and remember, we’re here for you every step of the way,” Dr. Spillmann, Pittsylvania Danville and Southside Health Director.

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Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff

May 9, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, PIO, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff

CHATHAM, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville (PDHD) and Southside (SSHD) Health Districts held an All Staff Meeting on April 19, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham, VA. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Scott Spillmann, director of the two health districts.

During one of the sessions, Dr. Spillmann gave an overview of the Robert W. Johnson County Health Rankings. The County Health Rankings is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). Through this data, counties within each state are ranked on more than 30 health factors such as education, jobs, and access to quality health care.

Population Health Manager Brenna Link discussed the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) processes. The CHA is an examination of the health status of the community that is used to identify key health issues and assets within the community. Based on the data discovered in the CHA, a collaborative plan (CHIP) brings multiple local organizations/groups and residents together to develop an action plan for the community.

To further educate the group, special guest Phil Hysell, science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., gave a presentation on dangerous weather conditions, which included identification of various thunderstorm and cloud types.

Additional topics covered during the meeting included a staff health and wellness session presented by Kelsey Jones of CommonHealth Virginia. The health district’s Business Manager, Krystal Davis, covered a variety of employee engagement topics, including various updates scheduled for the facilities to enhance the work environments at both health district offices.

Several team building exercises were conducted during the day, including staff forming small groups to move stacks of Solo cups into a six-cup pyramid shape using a grappler tool made from a string and rubber band.

Other special guests included: Susan Fischer Davis, M.D., chief deputy commissioner for community health services; Michael Kalson, district senior HR manager; Christina Niblett, regional HR business partner; Brookie Crawford, central region public information officer (PIO) and Linda Scarborough, western region PIO.

Also recognized during the event was Tracy Corns, BSN, RN. Tracy’s compassion and expertise helped comfort an individual who needed emergency medical attention. Recently, Tracy was leaving the Department of Social Services (DSS) to return to the health department office. She saw a man walking towards the building who she thought appeared to look ill. As he was headed into the DSS building, Tracy held the door for him and asked how he was feeling. While he thought he might be having a heart attack, he refused to let Tracy contact 911. She advised DSS to watch for any deteriorating symptoms which may require medical assistance. He later returned to the health department to ask for Tracy to call 911. As they waited for the ambulance to arrive, Tracy took his vitals and continued to comfort the man.  Once the medical personnel arrived, the electrocardiogram indicated that he was having a heart attack, and he was transported to the hospital. Tracy was presented with a certificate of recognition during the staff meeting for her keen observation and her compassion to readily assist someone faced with a dire medical emergency.

Both PDHD and SSHD offer a variety of community health services to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect our community from environmental and other hazards. You can learn more about these services on PDHD or SSHD websites.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic

4/18/2024

Media Contact: Sandra Currie, Program Administrator, Sandra.Currie@vdh.virginia.gov, 434-250-2010

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic

DANVILLE, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will be participating in a Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, April 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at O.T. Bonner Middle School, 300 Apollo Ave., Danville. Rising 7th and 12th graders attending Danville City Public Schools are encouraged to attend.

The types of vaccines available at the clinic are human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal ACWY, and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap). The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public, and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

Vaccinations are available at no cost to the patient as it will be billed to the insurance company or offset by eligibility. Those receiving vaccinations at the clinic must be accompanied by a parents or guardian.  Onsite registration will be available on the day of the event and walk-ins are welcome.

“This vaccine clinic is a convenient way for children and parents to get an early start on preparations for the next school year,” said Dr. Scott Spillmann, health director. “It is our hope that parents or guardians will take advantage of this opportunity as it will save them from taking time away from their summer plans. In addition, it will help to prevent the last-minute push to get the vaccines prior to the beginning of the new school year and will ensure students are able to start school on time.”

School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. Call your local health department for more information, and see when your child is due for their next vaccine here:

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/VDH-Vaccine-Schedule.pdf