March 20, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov
Cumberland Plateau Health District Nurse Named Southwest Regional Nurse of the Year
LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District is proud to announce that the Virginia Department of Health’s Regional Nurse of the Year has been awarded to Amy Adkins from the Russell County Health Department.
Amy Adkins has served as a nurse supervisor for Dickenson and Russell counties since 2019. She has also served as a supervisor for some of the district’s health educators and outreach workers over the last two years.
“Ms. Adkins is known for being kind, compassionate, and willing to listen,” said Reisa Sloce, director of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “She is a leader and works to implement systems to reduce and eliminate barriers to make programs and services as easily accessible as possible. Her efforts ensure all members of the community are equitably served. Ms. Adkins is highly motivated and is a great resource for our community. She truly demonstrates what it means to have a servant’s heart.”
Adkins is an advocate for protecting the health and promoting the well-being of residents throughout the community. She is an advocate for population health improvement and for individual patient care. Adkins manages the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) Outreach grant program, the Resource Mothers program, and the Project AIM (adult identity mentoring) program for the district. She works diligently to improve customer service in clinical programs for the most vulnerable populations. Adkins also demonstrates her exceptional leadership abilities whether leading a team, an office, or working alongside her colleagues.
In her personal life, Adkins provides end-of-life nursing care for families and is very active in her home church. She also volunteers with community organizations to meet the needs of individuals and families who are struggling with unexpected circumstances.
Cumberland Plateau Health District thanks Amy for her dedicated service and congratulates her for being chosen as the Southwest Regional Nurse of the Year. Amy will go on to compete for the State Nurse of the Year award in May.
September 29, 2025
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm
Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
Phone: (757) 236-0529
Norfolk Health Department Promotes Access to Health Coverage with Medicaid and FAMIS Application Assistance
NORFOLK, Va – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is excited to announce the continued availability of Project Connect application assistance for the Cardinal Care Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) programs. These programs provide essential healthcare coverage to eligible individuals and families, including for children, pregnant women, and adults. The Norfolk Department of Public Health is working to increase awareness and encourage more people to apply for these life-saving programs.
Key Benefits of Cardinal Care Medicaid and FAMIS programs:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: These programs cover a wide range of healthcare services, from routine doctor visits to emergency care and hospitalizations, prescription medications, mental healthcare, prenatal and doula services, dental care, preventative services, and more.
- Affordable Care: Medicaid and FAMIS ensure that low-income families and individuals can access necessary health services without the burden of high medical costs. Most participants pay nothing for their coverage or care.
- Support for Families and Individuals: In addition to children, Medicaid and FAMIS provide coverage for eligible pregnant women, and adults in need of healthcare assistance.
“We are committed to ensuring that all Norfolk residents have access to the care they need to stay healthy,” said Dr. Susan Girois, District Health Director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “FAMIS and Medicaid are designed to remove the financial barriers that prevent people from seeking care. We strongly encourage you to contact us to apply and take advantage of these important programs.”
The application process is open year-round, and residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to get covered. To find out if you or your family may qualify and to complete an application, please call or text our Project Connect application assisters at (757) 285-7841 or (757) 284-4182 (application assistance available in Spanish – se habla Español). You can also visit our website at NorfolkPublicHealth.com.
Project Connect is supported by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in partnership with the Virginia Health Care Foundation.
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Date: May 16, 2025
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm
Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
Phone: (757) 236-0529
Norfolk Health Department Promotes Access to Health Coverage with and Medicaid and FAMIS Application Assistance
NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is excited to announce the continued availability of Project Connect application assistance for the Cardinal Care Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) programs. These programs provide essential healthcare coverage to eligible individuals and families, including for children, pregnant women, and adults. The Norfolk Department of Public Health is working to increase awareness and encourage more people to apply for these life-saving programs.
Key Benefits of Cardinal Care Medicaid and FAMIS programs:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: These programs cover a wide range of healthcare services, from routine doctor visits to emergency care and hospitalizations, prescription medications, mental healthcare, prenatal and doula services, dental care, preventative services, and more.
- Affordable Care: Medicaid and FAMIS ensure that low-income families and individuals can access necessary health services without the burden of high medical costs. Most participants pay nothing for their coverage or care.
- Support for Families and Individuals: In addition to children, Medicaid and FAMIS provide coverage for eligible pregnant women, and adults in need of healthcare assistance.
“We are committed to ensuring that all Norfolk residents have access to the care they need to stay healthy,” said Dr. Susan Girois, District Health Director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “FAMIS and Medicaid are designed to remove the financial barriers that prevent people from seeking care. We strongly encourage you to contact us to apply and take advantage of these important programs.”
The application process is open year-round, and residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to get covered. To find out if you or your family may qualify and to complete an application, please call or text our Project Connect application assisters at (757) 285-7841 or (757) 284-4182 (application assistance available in Spanish – se habla Español). You can also visit our website at NorfolkPublicHealth.com.
Project Connect is supported by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in partnership with the Virginia Health Care Foundation.
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October 15, 2024
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-799-8699
Norfolk Department of Public Health Encourages Community to Explore Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS Programs
NORFOLK, Va. –The Norfolk Department of Public Health is excited to announce a community-wide initiative to promote Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security) programs. These essential programs provide critical health coverage to eligible residents, ensuring access to quality care for individuals and families across Norfolk.
Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS are state-sponsored programs designed to assist those who may not otherwise have access to affordable healthcare. Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, while FAMIS specifically supports children and pregnant women who need health insurance but do not qualify for Medicaid.
Key Benefits of Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS Include:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and preventive care.
- No Cost for Eligible Participants: These programs offer free health insurance.
- Access to a Wide Network of Providers: Ensures that beneficiaries have access to a broad range of healthcare services.
“Our mission is to make sure every Norfolk resident knows about the valuable resources available to them,” said Dr. Susan Girois, director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS offer essential health coverage that can significantly impact the well-being of individuals and families. We urge anyone who might be eligible to explore these programs and apply.”
To find out if you or your family qualify, please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at (757) 284-4182 or (757)-285-7841. You can also visit our website at NorfolkPublicHealth.com.
Together, let’s ensure that every Norfolk resident has access to the healthcare they need and deserve.
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