long covid surveillance project Archives

February 18, 2025
Media Contact: Katrina Saphrey, Katrina.Saphrey@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Conducts Long COVID Study

PETERSBURG, Va.- Beginning February 18, 2025, the Crater Health District (CHD) will launch a study on Long COVID to determine its prevalence among residents and understand its impact on daily life. Long COVID is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19, and is present for at least 3 months. The goal of the study is to evaluate the impact of Long COVID on daily activities and identify any unmet resource needs of those affected in the community.

“Understanding the full impact of Long COVID is crucial for the well-being of our community. This study will not only help us gauge how many people are affected, but also shed light on the everyday challenges our community faces. By gathering this information, we can ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed and that individuals living with Long COVID receive the care and support they deserve,” said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

Crater Health District Containment Staff will be reaching out to individuals in the cities of Emporia, Hopewell, and Petersburg, as well as the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Sussex, and Surry who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Individuals who solely tested positive via At-Home COVID-19 tests are not eligible to participate.

Staff will follow up with individuals who reported a COVID-19 diagnosis through a telephone survey. Calls will be made Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and will continue until all individuals who tested positive within the CHD have been contacted or funding is no longer available. After obtaining verbal consent, an interviewer will ask participants to complete a questionnaire. Interviews can take up to an hour. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of this survey and responses will be stored securely in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.

“Our priority is to ensure that every member of our community receives the care they need. Through careful coordination of resources, we are committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by our residents, particularly those who are underserved,” said Jazmine Black, COVID-19 Containment Operations Manager.

“By connecting people with the right care at the right time, we are working to reduce health inequities and improve the overall quality of life in the Crater Health District.”

If you are in need of resources, please reach out at COVID-19 Care Resources or Melissa Diggs-Perez at Melissa.Diggs@vdh.virginia.gov. For more information, call 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District

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July 15, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, PIO, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Southwest Virginia Health Districts Conducting Long COVID Study

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Central Virginia Health District began a Long COVID surveillance project in October of 2023 that is now available to all residents of Southwest Virginia. Long COVID is when a person is still sick two or more months after getting COVID-19. Symptoms can include trouble breathing, a cough, feeling weak and tired, and problems with certain organs, such as the heart, brain, or lungs. A diagnosis of Long COVID is not required to participate. We want to learn about any long-term effects that people might have two or more months after a COVID-19 infection.

To participate in the study, you must meet the following criteria:

Had COVID-19 at least once or been diagnosed with Long COVID
Experienced symptoms lasting at least two months after a COVID infection
Must be a resident of one of the following health districts: Roanoke City and Alleghany, Central Virginia, Cumberland Plateau, LENOWISCO, Mount Rogers, New River, Pittsylvania-Danville, Southside, or West Piedmont.

If you qualify and would like to enroll, go to https://redcap.link/virginialongcovidstudy. A member from our team will make contact, review consent, and complete a phone interview. Individuals will then be asked to participate in follow up interviews in three and six months after the initial interview.

Findings from the study will be submitted for future publication and presentation to the scientific community and made available at CVHD.org. The purpose of the study is to improve our understanding of how Long COVID affects the residents of rural Virginia, assess the quality of support participants have received, and identify Long COVID resource needs.

Additional questions about the project can be directed to Cali Anderson at cali.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov. For more information about Long COVID, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/protect-yourself/longcovid/