Tag: Piedmont Health District

Piedmont Health District reports Rabies Case in Bobcat in Lunenburg County

April 29, 2026

Media Contact: Sarah Kott, PIO, sarah.kott@vdh.virginia.gov

Piedmont Health District reports Rabies Case in Bobcat in Lunenburg County

Lunenburg County, Va. – The Lunenburg Health Department is notifying community members residing near the vicinity of Longview Drive and Reedy Branch Road in the Lochleven community of a bobcat that has tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred on April 23, 2026.

A bobcat displaying aggressive behavior was identified by a resident after their dog alerted them to its presence. The animal was subsequently euthanized. The bobcat was submitted for rabies testing, and results confirmed the animal was positive for rabies. At this time, any potential human or animal exposures are being assessed.

Residents in the area are encouraged to ensure that all pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccination is the best way to protect pets and prevent the spread of rabies.

Anyone who has concerns regarding potential exposure to this animal via a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth should contact the Lunenburg Health Department at 434-696-2346. Exposures may also include direct contact or observed proximity between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, for either human or animal exposure concerns, please contact the the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office at 434-696-2142.

Piedmont Health District reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:
• Do not feed stray animals.
• Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
• Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. If you see a wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
• Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. If you are bitten by an animal (pets, wild or stray), wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider, or your local Health Department.

For more information about rabies, visit the VDH Rabies webpage.

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Regional Partners Unite to Produce 1,300 Quarts of Venison Soup for Local Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              3/2/2026
Media Contact: Sarah Kott, PIO, sarah.kott@vdh.virginia.gov

Regional Partners Unite to Produce 1,300 Quarts of Venison Soup for Local Families

FARMVILLE, Va.- A strong spirit of teamwork was on display this week at the Prince Edward County Cannery. Community partners came together to prepare and can 1,300 quarts of venison soup for families who are food insecure.

The Piedmont Health Districts Population Health Team led the event, and it included Virginia Hunters for the Hungry, Piedmont Medical Reserve Corp, FACES Food Pantry, Feed More, New Life Church, Prince Edward County, and Prince Edward County Public Schools. Together, they turned donated venison into a hearty, shelf‑stable soup that will soon help people across the region.

The team also welcomed Virginia’s State Health Commissioner, Cameron Webb, M.D., J.D. He didn’t just stop by—he joined the canning process, showing his support for hands‑on community work.

“This event shows what can happen when public health, local government, nonprofits, and volunteers work side by side,” said Quincy Handy, Piedmont Population Health Community Engagement Specialist. “It represents the best of what our region can accomplish together.”

The success of the venison soup project shows the strength of these partnerships and the value of community-driven work. This project was made possible through the district’s current American Rescue Plan Act funding, which has supported our ability to build capacity and engage in programs that directly benefit residents in our district. At the same time, projects like this highlight how essential long-term, sustainable funding is for maintaining these efforts in our community. Over the last 11 months the Population Health Team has delivered 378 healthy food boxes through its work with Feed More, bringing shelf-stable foods to families facing food insecurity.

“With steady funding, we can continue growing these partnerships and better support families across the region,” said Amy Beatson, Piedmont Population Health Grant Coordinator. “Community health improves fastest when we have strong partners and reliable resources.”
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Piedmont Health District Announces Transition of Services as Cumberland County Health Department Relocates

July 3, 2025
Media Contact: Sarah Kott, Sarah.kott@vdh.virginia.gov

Piedmont Health District Announces Transition of Services as Cumberland County Health Department Relocates

CUMBERLAND, VA – Effective Monday, July 14, the Piedmont Health District will temporarily relocate the clinical services and administrative operations offered at 15 Foster Road by the Cumberland County Health Department in preparation for a move to a new health department location.

While the new space for the Cumberland County Health Department is determined, certain services previously offered in Cumberland will continue at the Prince Edward County Health Department, 111 N South St., Farmville, VA 23901, beginning Monday, July 14. These services include:

· Vaccination Clinics

· Family Planning/Pregnancy Prevention Clinics

· Sexual Health Clinics (including STD/STI testing and treatment)

· Naloxone (Opioid Overdose Reversal) Training

· Animal Bite Investigations

· Requests for Medicaid Long-term Services and Support (nursing home) screenings, coordinated with DSS

· Records Requests including clinical or septic system/well records

· Requests for septic system/well permit applications

The WIC clinic for Cumberland County residents will initially be offered at the Buckingham County Health Department, 80 Administration Lane, Buckingham, VA 23921. A new location will soon be available for WIC clients in Cumberland County.

Any VDH health department will be able to assist with obtaining vital records, which include birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. Alternatively, vital records may be obtained online at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/

For more information, please contact Sarah Kott at sarah.kott@vdh.virginia.gov or call the Prince Edward Health Department at 434-392-8187 x137.

Piedmont Health District, Town of Farmville Remind Community Members of Splash Pad Safety

July 16, 2024
Media Contact: Bri Marcum, briauna.marcum@vdh.virginia.gov or Dr. Scott Davis, sdavis@farmvilleva.com

Piedmont Health District, Town of Farmville Remind Community Members of Splash Pad Safety

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Piedmont Health District (PHD), in collaboration with the Town of Farmville, want to remind the community of safety tips as the Splash Pad, located at 1630 West Third Street, reopens today, July 16.

The town and health district offer the following safety tips for Splash Pad visitors:

  • Do not swallow the water.
  • Wash your hands, preferably with soap and water, before eating and after using the bathroom.
  • Do not use the Splash Pad if you have had vomiting or diarrhea within the past two weeks.
  • Do not use the Splash Pad if you have had any cold, flu or respiratory virus symptoms within the last 24 hours.
  • Do not use the Splash Pad if you have any open wounds, boils or other skin infections.
  • Check all swim diapers regularly and bring all children to the restroom on consistent breaks every hour.
  • No animals should be brought onto the Splash Pad.
  • All children must be supervised by an adult.

Last week, PHD began investigating reports of gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals after visiting the Splash Pad. Norovirus and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) have been identified through laboratory testing. EAEC is a less severe type of E. coli associated with acute or persistent diarrhea in children and adults spread through the fecal-oral route and commonly found in contaminated food or water. While a source of the illness hasn’t been identified, all the individuals reported visiting the Splash Pad on a single day, June 29.

E. coli is a type of coliform bacteria, commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. Water from the Splash Pad was tested on June 26 and July 11 by the Town of Farmville, and the results were provided to PHD. The water test results showed no evidence of coliform bacteria.

“Organisms that cause disease are found anywhere that people gather, including pools and splashpads,” said Piedmont District Epidemiologist Jesse Alger, MPH, a-IPC. “We want to remind community members about the importance of following appropriate steps to help stop the spread of germs. We are grateful to the Town of Farmville for being so cooperative throughout this investigation.”

The town wants to remind people that the water comes from the town water supply, which is treated at the water treatment plant. The water treatment plant complies with all drinking water standards set by the Virginia
Department of Health (VDH). The Splash Pad has a 5,000-gallon water tank that recirculates water through a process similar to swimming pools and includes UV light disinfection, sand filtering and chlorine treatment. The gauges in the pump house of the Splash Pad provide pH levels and oxidation-reduction potential levels (ORP). In addition to monitoring these levels, a pH test is conducted at least once a day.

“The Town of Farmville has spent the last two weeks working with the manufacturer of pumps for the elements on the Splash Pad and check valve on the storage tank to make sure it is operating properly. Before reopening, the water treatment plant tested the recirculated water for bacteria, and none was found along with testing the pH level. I appreciate Dr. Maria Almond and her staff for working with the town to make sure we are safely operating the Splash Pad,” said Town Manager Scott Davis, LP. D., ICMA-CM.

The VDH does not regulate splashpads unless they are located at a hotel, campground or summer camp. However, if you or your child are feeling ill after visiting the Splash Pad or any body of water, please seek medical attention and call the health department at 434-392-3984 x 145.

For more information on splash pad safety, visit the VDH website (www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/environmental-health-services/swim-healthy/splash-pad-safety/). If you have any questions, contact the Piedmont Health District at PiedmontInfo@vdh.virginia.gov or 434-392-8187 x 137, and the Town of Farmville at sdavis@farmvilleva.com or 434-392-5686.

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Piedmont Health District Recognizes Staff at All-Staff Meeting

May 24, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

 

Piedmont Health District Recognizes Staff at All-Staff Meeting

FARMVILLE, Va. – On Friday, May 20, Piedmont Health District held an all-staff meeting at The Barn at Gully Tavern. The staff meeting was a full day of connecting, learning and celebrating.

At the staff meeting, the Piedmont Health District recognized staff members for years of service, ranging from 10 years to 40+ years with the Virginia Department of Health.

“Our staff has always been the heart of the Piedmont Health District,” said Piedmont Health District Director Maria Almond, MD, MPH. “But for the last two years the Piedmont Health District staff have worked above and beyond to assist our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for all that our staff does.”

Piedmont Health District is thankful to all its staff for their continued service.

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