Tag: Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts

What You Don’t See: How Hampton & Peninsula Public Health Workers Keep the Community Safe Every Day

Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager

(757) 594-7411

What You Don’t See: How Hampton & Peninsula Public Health Workers Keep the Community Safe Every Day

You may not think about it when you turn on your tap for a drink of water, sit down at a restaurant, or play at a local beach, but public health is there keeping you safe. During National Public Health Week (April 6-10), the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are sharing ways our staff work behind the scenes every day to protect the community.

Infectious disease prevention

Food, water and environmental protection

  • We make sure places you live, work, dine, learn, and play are safe from health hazards!
  • We provide food permits to those selling or distributing food.
  • We complete restaurant and milk inspections to ensure that what you eat and drink is safe to consume.
  • We inspect well and septic systems, spas, water parks, pools, and beach water so that the water you use and play in is safe.

Population and community health promotion

This is just a snapshot of everything the health department does every day to ensure our community’s health and safety. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, yet we all experience the benefits every day. The dedicated efforts of HPHD’s public health workforce make our communities safer and healthier.

Learn more about National Public Health Week: National Public Health Week (American Public Health Association)

Join us in making the Greater Peninsula healthier: www.jobs.virginia.gov/

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Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Partner with Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail to Improve Health Literacy for Incarcerated Individuals

March 16, 2026

Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager
(757) 594-7411

 

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Partner with Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail to Improve Health Literacy for Incarcerated Individuals

WILLIAMSBURG, Va – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) and the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail (VPRJ) have launched a partnership to provide health literacy for jailed individuals through an eight-week education program.

The partnership began in June 2025 when the HPHD held its first Health Literacy class in the jail’s “We Are All In This Together (WAITT)” program. Since then, 88 jailed individuals have completed the course.

The course covers 17 topics including, but not limited to:

  • Nutrition
  • Scheduling doctor’s appointments
  • Medication management
  • Navigating health insurance
  • Understanding health technology and apps
  • Sexual and reproductive health
  • Exercise
  • Workforce development
  • Opioid overdose recognition and response

Following the success of the first graduating Health Literacy class, the HPHD and the VPRJ formalized their partnership and have begun collaborating on other initiatives.

“This is an exciting partnership between our two agencies,” said HPHD Director, Dr. Natasha Dwamena. “Low health literacy is a key driver of health disparities, which impacts our most vulnerable communities, leading to increased chronic disease, higher mortality rates, and greater healthcare costs. The HPHD helps bridge the gap between the VPRJ and community health services, increasing engagement in care.”

The partnership extends beyond the jail’s walls. After graduating from the program, several individuals reached out to health department staff members to access substance use and recovery programs, workforce development and other health services.

“We are proud of our WAITT program and the opportunities we can provide to the population we serve,” said the VPRJ’s Superintendent, Colonel Roy Witham. “By incorporating public health education and services into the WAITT Program, we can support our population by empowering them with the knowledge they need to take care of their health and support their social needs, while in jail and beyond.”

HPHD leaders say the collaboration highlights the importance of starting re-entry preparation early.

“By establishing community-based programming at the VPRJ, our ongoing goal is to reduce recidivism rates by enhancing prevention, increasing trust, and bridging gaps to services,” said Dr. Natasha Dwamena.

The program will help individuals develop the skills they need to manage chronic conditions, access preventative care and recognize health emergencies. Empowering them to make informed decisions and improving health outcomes as they re-enter the community.

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Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Urge You to Plan Ahead for Spring Severe Weather

Posted on by stephaniehudson

March 11, 2026
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Public Information Officer, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov, (757) 594-7411

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Urge You to Plan Ahead for Spring Severe Weather
Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9-13

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – As spring approaches, warmer temperatures return — and so does the risk of severe weather. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, observed March 9-13, the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) urge you to plan ahead before storms strike.

Spring storms can bring a variety of severe weather hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms with lightning and flooding. The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts offers tips to keep you safe during severe weather events.

“Severe weather doesn’t wait until we’re ready and it can impact any community on the Peninsula, often with little warning,” said HPHD’s Local Emergency Coordinator, Mariel Waller. “We encourage everyone to take time to understand severe weather risks, make a plan with their loved ones, and stay informed so they can respond quickly when seconds count.”

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can form with little or no warning and bring winds more than 200 miles per hour.

If you are indoors:

  • Go to a basement or storm shelter.
  • If you do not have a basement, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
  • Do not stay in a mobile home.
  • Remain sheltered until you are sure the storm has passed.

If you are outdoors:

  • Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
  • If driving, go to the nearest safe structure if possible.
  • If no shelter is available, lie in a low area away from trees and objects that could become airborne.
  • Do not shelter under bridges or overpasses.

Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 9:45 a.m.. Residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to participate and practice their safety procedures.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms can form quickly, bringing strong winds and dangerous lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.

To stay safe:

  • Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items before storms.
  • Go indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning, and bring pets inside.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Avoid using electronics or anything plugged into an outlet.
  • Stay out of showers and away from plumbing.
  • Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.

If you cannot get indoors, avoid water, tall trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.

Flooding

Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater can contain debris, chemicals, and other hazards.

Key safety reminders:

  • Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Six inches of moving water can knock you down; one foot can sweep away a vehicle.
  • Avoid bridges over fast‑moving water.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for you to review safety plans, refresh emergency kits, and learn how to stay informed before storms strike. Severe weather can develop quickly. Taking simple steps now can help protect you and your family.

  • Have a plan. Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if severe weather occurs. Make sure everyone knows the safest places in your home and how to communicate during an emergency. You can create a family emergency plan online.
  • Build an emergency kit. A disaster supplies kit includes the basic items your household may need if you must shelter in place for several days. This may include water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents. Guidance on what to include and where to store your kit is available at gov.
  • Stay informed. Reliable alerts save lives. Use a weather radio, the FEMA app, or local alert systems to receive timely warnings. Check the settings on your mobile device to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Make sure you understand the difference between watches and warnings so you know when to take action.

If you have questions about weather safety, please contact the Hampton Health District at (757) 727-1172 and the Peninsula Health District at (757) 594-7300.

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Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts and Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board Celebrate Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2nd, 2026

Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

 

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts and Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board Celebrate Partnership

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) and the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board (HNNCSB) are proud to announce their partnership in HNNCSB’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Mobile Unit.

The MAT Mobile Unit carries evidence-based medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD) directly to those who need it most. Mobile Unit staff also connect clients to vital behavioral health supports.

Individuals can get medical assessments and MOUD prescriptions from the MAT Mobile Unit and then receive their medication from any local pharmacy. This ensures timely support with minimal barriers. HNNCSB’s long-term goal is to dispense MOUD directly from the mobile unit.

The MAT Mobile Unit is available every Monday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. in the back parking lot of the Peninsula Health Center, located at 836-A J Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

HNNCSB staff screen, triage, and assist individuals in need. These individuals may be experiencing a range of behavioral health concerns. Staff link them to appropriate treatment and recovery support services. This may include HNNCSB’s ‘brick and mortar” locations, and other health services at HPHD’s Peninsula Health Center.

In turn, HPHD provides opioid prevention kits, including drug testing strips and other resources, directly to the HNNCSB Mobile Unit. HPHD also provides referrals to the unit from their Comprehensive Harm Reduction program, which serves People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) by offering:

  • Peer recovery services
  • Drug testing strips
  • Narcan
  • Syringe exchange
  • Wound care and hygiene items

For more information about the Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program or other HPHD services, please contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts. For more information about the Mobile Outreach Program or other HNNCSB services, please contact the Hampton–Newport News Community Services Board.

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Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Release 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Public Health Progress

February 5th, 2026

Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

 

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Release 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Public Health Progress

NEWPORT NEWS, VA. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) are proud to share the FY2025 Annual Report.  The report highlights a year of growth, resilience and ongoing work to make the Greater Peninsula region a healthier place to live.

HPHD had several notable accomplishments over the last year, including Project Public Health Ready recognition for 2025–2029, reflecting HPHD’s commitment to public health preparedness.

“This past year brought challenges, but it also brought growth and recognition,” said HPHD’s health district director, Dr. Natasha Dwamena. “Our staff has shown resilience and adaptability. They continue to find new ways to meet the needs of our community. Our team remains mission-driven and dedicated to improving the health of our community.”

Despite public health funding cuts, HPHD continued to deliver essential services to protect community health.

Highlights from the report include:

  • Clinical services
    • More than 8,000 clinical services provided
    • 5,211 vaccines administered
    • 2,872 family planning and sexual health visits
  • Substance use prevention (Project LEAD)
    • 28 REVIVE! overdose response trainings
    • 695 naloxone and opioid response kits distributed
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program
    • More than 6,000 enrollments
    • Breastfeeding support provided to about 200 women per month
  • Disease prevention
    • More than 3,800 tuberculosis screenings
    • More than 600 disease case investigations
  • Environmental health
    • More than 4,900 services completed
    • 2,798 food safety inspections
    • 891 rabies investigations
    • 202 beach water samples collected
  • Vital records
    • More than 35,000 records processed

HPHD also launched several new initiatives during the year, including a program at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. Through this effort, the population health team shares health information with incarcerated individuals to help them better manage their care after release.

Additional highlights include:

  • Public safety: HPHD received comprehensive harm reduction state certification, enabling greater public safety and improved health outcomes in response to the opioid crisis.
  • Community engagement: More than 3,000 community interactions through classes, meetings, and events across the Greater Peninsula.

Read the full HPHD FY2025 Annual Report.

 

 

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Countdown to Safety: Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Provide Essential Firearm Tips for an Injury-Free New Year’s Eve

December 29th, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager and Public Information Officer, (757) 594-7411

Countdown to Safety: Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Provide Essential Firearm Tips for an Injury-Free New Year’s Eve

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) remind residents to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely by avoiding celebratory gunfire and ensuring firearms are securely stored. As the holiday approaches, we urge families to review basic firearm‑safety practices to help keep our community safe.

Firearm injuries are a public health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their sex, age, race, ethnicity, or place of residence. The Virginia Department of Health reported 2,488 firearm injury emergency department (ED) visits in 2023.

“Firearm violence is a devastating tragedy and a critical public health concern that impacts families, communities, and the well-being of society as a whole,” says HPHD’s Population Health Manager and Public Information Officer, Tes La Dieu. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and celebrate safely this holiday season as we ring in the New Year.”

Safe alternatives for celebrating include using fireworks responsibly and in accordance with local laws, enjoying noisemakers, or popping champagne corks.

If you hear or witness celebratory gunfire, call 911 immediately and do not confront the person responsible.

The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts urge residents to:

  • Store all firearms unloaded, locked, and keep ammunition separate.
  • Use lockable firearm cases, firearm safes, or cable locks to prevent access.
  • Remove firearms from the home if you or a loved one is struggling.
  • If you are a parent or caregiver, ask about firearm storage practices before you send your child to someone else’s home to play
  • Teach your children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of safe storage.
  • Review your own firearm safety practices and make sure they are up to date.

While the holidays can spark joy and celebration, they sometimes can be stressful or bring up difficult emotions. If you or a loved one is going through a tough time, call or text 988 for help and support.

HPHD’s goal is to keep Virginians injury-free this New Year’s Eve and into the New Year. The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.

For more information, please contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts at (757) 594-7411.

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Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus                                     

September 6, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts would like to notify Poquoson residents that a raccoon found on Jefferson Ct. has tested positive for the rabies virus.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts’ Newport News Environmental Health Office at (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact the local Animal Control at (757) 595-7387.

Rabies is fatal, but preventable. Our local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.

The district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:

  1. Vaccinate your pets.
  2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local

health department.

  1. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons,

skunks or foxes to visit your neighborhood.

 

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   Health Officials Looking for Dog That Bit a Person

September 6, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

                               Health Officials Looking for Dog That Bit a Person

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts are looking for a large grey pit bull that bit a person in the vicinity of the Carlson Fall Housing Project in the Lee Hall area of Newport News. The incident happened on September 4, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m.  If the dog is not found, the victim may have to undergo post exposure treatment (shots) for the prevention of rabies.

The dog will be able to stay with its owner.  It will be placed on an in-home confinement period of 10 days.

Anyone who has seen an animal that fits the description of a dog in this area is asked to contact the appropriate Animal Control Office listed below:

Hampton   757-727-6111

Newport News/Poquoson   757-595-7387

Williamsburg/JCC   757-565-0370 (daytime); 757-253-1800 (evenings, weekends, holidays)

York County   757-890-3601

Residents are reminded to report all exposures, enjoy wildlife from a distance, and make sure their family pets are vaccinated and protected against the rabies virus. Virginia state law requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated between 3 and 4 months of age and thereafter to maintain protection against rabies. Please talk with your veterinarian for more information.

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Swimming Advisory Lifted at Several Peninsula Beaches

August 27, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

 

Swimming Advisory Lifted at Several Peninsula Beaches

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Peninsula Health District received results from sampling completed on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. These results indicate that bacteria levels in the water at Hilton Beach, Huntington Beach, King-Lincoln Fishing Pier Beach, Buckroe Beach South and Middle meet the state water quality standards for recreational waters.  The swimming advisory is no longer in effect at these locations.

Environmental Health officials sample Hilton, Huntington, King/Lincoln Park, Anderson’s and Yorktown public beaches on a weekly basis during the swimming season from May to September.

Residents are reminded to observe the following guidelines as they enjoy the summer swimming season:

  • Do not swim in water that looks stagnant, muddy, or smells unpleasant.
  • Avoid swallowing river, stream, lakes, or other recreational water.
  • Prevent direct contact between broken skin and recreational water.
  • Avoid swimming in natural water bodies (rivers, streams, lakes, etc.) for several days after heavy rainfall.

 

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Swimming Advisories Issued for Beaches in Newport News and Hampton

August 20, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

Swimming Advisories Issued for Beaches in Newport News and Hampton

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts have issued a swimming advisory for Hilton Beach, Huntington Beach, and King-Lincoln Beach in Newport News, VA and Buckroe Middle and Buckroe South in Hampton, VA. Samples collected on August 19, 2025, by the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state water quality standard.

Signs are posted at the beaches alerting the public of the advisory. The signs read: “Warning swimmers – bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards, swimming not advised until further notice.”

Due to the high tidal waves and impending weather from Hurricane Erin, no additional re-testing will take place this week but will resume the following week. Advisories will remain in effect until results from next week’s beach water monitoring.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Mary Wainwright, Environmental Health Manager of the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts. “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria routinely during the summer swimming season using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters.

Enterococci is a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters. While these organisms do not 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 standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

 

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