Tag: environmental health

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents

September 24, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents
September 26 is World Environmental Health Day

WISE, Va. – At the Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts, health professionals work behind the scenes to protect your health while you do everyday activities like eating at a restaurant, taking a shower, or going for a swim. Environmental health professionals play a crucial role in Virginia public health.

“On World Environmental Health Day, we recognize the essential work that often happens quietly behind the scenes to keep our community safe and healthy,” said Reisa Sloce, Director, Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Environmental health services protect the places where we live, learn, work, and gather—from safe drinking water and food establishments to septic systems, public pools, housing conditions, and disease prevention. In a rural community, these services are especially vital because they help ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, can enjoy a clean, safe, and healthy environment. We are grateful for the dedication of our environmental health professionals and the many partners who work every day to protect the wellbeing of our community.”

Our environmental health staff protect the health of our community in several ways:

Food Safety: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts permit and regulate food establishments, including restaurants, mobile food units, school cafeterias, daycare centers, adult homes, hospital kitchens, and coffee shops. Health inspections ensure food establishments handle, store and prepare food safely. Restaurant inspection reports can be viewed online.

If you suspect that more than one person has become ill after eating a common food, please contact your local health department. You can also visit my MyMealDetective.com to submit a foodborne illness report.

Tourist Establishment Inspections: Your local environmental health team conducts routine inspections to protect against public health risks and promote cleanliness, safety, and compliance with state regulations on all hotels, campgrounds, and summer camps within the district.  Inspections are done annually as well as targeted visits in response to public health complaints.

No operator can legally open or maintain a hotel or tourist lodging facility in the Commonwealth without an active, VDH-issued Tourist Facility Permit.

Water Safety: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts inspect all public pools throughout the summer and all tourist establishment swimming pools annually. Staff issues recreational advisories for harmful algal blooms (HAB) and other water hazards.

If you observe algae while recreating in natural water, please report in on the Virginia Department of Health HAB online reporting form.

Milk Safety Program: Local environmental health milk specialists oversee a permitting and inspection program for local dairy farms producing Grade A Milk and milk products. Under state agreements, VDH and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) divide responsibilities for milk and dairy plant oversight.

Private Wells: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts provide permits and inspections for onsite wastewater and private wells, to include sewage handling and disposal regulations. To apply for a private well permit, please contact your local health department.

Onsite Sewage Disposal: Local environmental health manages onsite sewage disposal systems—such as conventional septic tanks and alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS)—to protect public health and groundwater.  You need a VDH construction permit to install, modify, or repair a septic tank or dispersal drainfield.

VDH recommends having conventional septic systems inspected every three years and pumped out every three to five years. Alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS) require annual inspections by a licensed operator.

Rabies: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts provide rabies education and control. If you come in contact with a suspected rabid animal, please contact your local animal control office and your local health department.

The environmental health staff also helps after natural disasters, ensuring the public has safe water from wells, healthy foods, and sanitary facilities.

For more information on the services, resources, and educational information available through the environmental health office contact your local health department directly: Buchanan 276-935-4591; Dickenson 276-926-4979; Lee 276-346-2011; Russell 276-889-7621; Scott 276-386-1312; Tazewell 276-988-5585; Wise/Norton 276-328-8000; or visit the Virginia Department of Health website.

Mount Rogers Health District Releases 2025 Annual Report

April 16, 2026
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, Brianne.Kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Releases 2025 Annual Report

MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District has released its 2025 Annual Report, providing residents with a clear view of local health department services, outcomes, and priorities across the cities of Bristol and Galax, and the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe. The report details the health district’s response to Hurricane Helene, expanded access to care through mobile services, and opioid overdose prevention, and core programs that help families stay safe and healthy.

“I’m excited to share the hard work our Mount Rogers Health District staff have poured into serving our communities over the past year. This Annual Report is a highlight reel of their dedication and the hard work they do every day across the district,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, health director for the Mount Rogers Health District.

Key highlights residents should know:

  • More than 1,000 BabyCare visits completed by public health nurses, supporting maternal and infant health across the district.
  • Over 1,800 food establishment inspections conducted by Environmental Health, ensuring safe food handling practices.
  • An average of over 3,300 monthly participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, strengthening nutrition and health for families.
  • More than 800 Naloxone kits and more than 250 drug test kits were distributed by the Population Health team to prevent and reduce overdose deaths.

Want to know more? Read or download the full 2025 Annual Report by visiting www.MRHD.org.

Swimming Advisory Issued for Captain’s Quarters Park in Norfolk

                                                                             

Date: August 19, 2025

Media Contact: Marcia Snyder
Norfolk Health Department, Environmental Health Supervisor, Marcia.Snyder@vdh.virginia.gov
757-406-0282

Swimming Advisory Issued for Captain’s Quarters Park in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health has issued a Swimming Advisory for Captain’s Quarters Park in Ocean View.  Water testing conducted yesterday revealed enterococci bacteria levels at this site exceeding State Water Quality Standards. Signs have been posted to alert the public of this advisory. Health officials will continue testing beach water and will remove posted signs and notify the public when the bacteria levels decrease to meet state standards.

The Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health samples Ocean View beach water on a weekly basis, during the swimming season, from late-May through mid-September. Enterococci bacteria is a group of indicator organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination in recreational waters.

While enterococci bacteria do not generally cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the state standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

For further information, call the Environmental Health Division, Norfolk Department of Public Health, at 757-683-2712.  For information about the Virginia Department of Health’s Beach Monitoring Program, current swimming advisory maps, and helpful tips about recreational water safety, please visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/beach-monitoring/

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RHHD Highlights 2024 Annual Report for National Public Health Week

April 7, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., 804-461-9497, brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Highlights 2024 Annual Report for National Public Health Week
National Public Health Week is April 7 – 13

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Public Health Week April 7 – 13 by highlighting public health accomplishments and services. RHHD’s 2024 Annual Report provides community members with updates from its teams that focus on Clinical Services; Community Health; Environmental Health and Safety; Population Health; and more.

“The dedicated public health professionals at Richmond and Henrico Health Districts work tirelessly to protect and improve the health of our communities,” said RHHD Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “We celebrate the

accomplishments of the past year and look forward to advancing this important work in the years ahead.” In 2024, RHHD:

  • Received responses from 1,126 Richmond and Henrico Residents who completed the 2024 Community Health Assessment Survey (CHA). Community members can read the full CHA Report
  • Vaccinated 1,539 students at 60 in-school 7th and 12th grade vaccination events in partnership with Richmond Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools.
  • Provided health services for newcomers from over 14
  • Reached 9,000 community members through Community Health Workers’ attendance at Outreach and Community Events.
  • Directly observed 2,608 tuberculosis treatments.
  • Enrolled 50 new PrEP PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Completed 4,557 food service inspections throughout Richmond and
  • Distributed 991 Narcan kits (each containing two doses of the opioid overdose reversal medication) at community events and encounters (10/1/23-9/30/2024).
  • Conducted 4,362 Family Planning and STI clinic
  • Provided 441 COVID-19, flu, and mpox vaccinations at mobile

RHHD will be celebrating National Public Health Week on social media and on Well Read, the RHHD blog, at rhhd.gov/blog. Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information.

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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/.

Petersburg Health Department Closed Until Further Notice

May 13, 2024
Media Contact: Julie Thacker, Julie.Thacker@vdh.virginia.gov

Petersburg Health Department Closed Until Further Notice
Services Are Being Redirected to Other Health Department Locations

PETERSBURG, Va. – Effective immediately, the Petersburg Health Department will be closed until further notice. During recent roof repair work on the health department building, the Petersburg Health Department discovered a potentially hazardous environmental odor. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of staff and clients, the department has suspended operations until the cause of the odor has been identified and evaluated for potential health hazards.

In the interim, the Petersburg Health Department will be relocating its services and staff to other local health departments within the Crater Health District as follows:

Clinical Services — All appointments for clinical services including immunizations, family planning, STI, and the Men’s Sexual Health clinic scheduled for Monday, May 13 have been canceled to allow time for staff to relocate and will be rescheduled for a future date. The walk-in STI clinic scheduled for Petersburg on Friday will be held at the Hopewell Health Department, 1501 W City Point Rd. on Friday. Tuesday’s immunization clinic appointments will be held at the Prince George Health Department, 6450 Administration Drive.

Environmental Health — All environmental health services will be rerouted to the Dinwiddie Health Department, 14010 Boydton Plank Rd.; correspondence regarding all environmental health services can be sent to craterehs1@vdh.virginia.gov.

WIC — Scheduled WIC appointments for Monday, May 13 were moved to the Dinwiddie Health Department. Those with WIC appointments scheduled for the Petersburg Health Department on upcoming dates will be contacted regarding their new appointment location.

Vital Records — Vital Records services are provided each day 8:30-11:45 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. at each open health department location. For a list of all health department locations and contact information, go to www.vdh.virginia.gov/crater/contact/

For concerns regarding appointments, to reschedule an appointment, or for information regarding all other health department services, please call (804) 863-1652.

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