Tag: pittsylvania-danville health district

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Hosting Open Houses

April 3, 2026

Media Contact: Chris Garrett Local Health Emergency Coordinator, christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District

Hosting Open Houses

April 6 thru 12 is National Public Health Week

Danville, Va — On April 9, 2026, the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District (PDHD) will be hosting open houses at its district offices. The open-house events are from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. as part of National Public Health Week.

“We encourage our neighbors and community members to stop by and chat with our staff,” said Pittsylvania Danville & Southside Health Districts Director, Scott Spillmann, MD, MPH. “This event will give you a better understanding of all the programs and services we provide in your local health department. National Public Health Week (and month) is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates public health achievements, raises awareness about health issues, and honors public health professionals. It’s also a great time to get to know us.”

We at PDHD are proud to help continue this tradition, and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration.  We are here for YOU. Please come visit one of our Pittsylvania-Danville Health District offices listed below:

Danville Health Department                                Pittsylvania County Health Department
326 Taylor Drive                                                  200 H.C. McGee Drive
Danville, VA 24541                                             Chatham, VA 24531

(434) 766-9828                                                    (434) 433-3520

Knowing your blood pressure numbers could help to save your life. The health departments in Danville and Pittsylvania County will be conducting free blood pressure checks for anyone needing to know their numbers and what they mean for their health.

Rapid Revive with free Narcan distribution will be available at Danville Health Department. Rapid REVIVE teaches you how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone. The program is designed to educate people on the signs of an overdose and the importance of naloxone to reserve the opioid.

For more information about our open house, please contact Brenna Link at 434-421-3654.

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Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!

July 30, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia Region PIO/brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!
Pittsylvania Danville Health Department Holding Vaccination Clinics

DANVILLE, Va. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.

“Vaccinations help fight against some preventable diseases. I encourage parents to attend one of our clinics and take advantage of this opportunity to prepare their child for school. Together, we can help improve our children’s health” said Pittsylvania/Danville Health District Director Dr. Scott Spillmann.

Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including some cases in Virginia.

“We must encourage parents and guardians to help public health lessen the burden increasing infectious disease by taking necessary precautions,” said Dr. Spillmann.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.  Vaccines are available through private physicians, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

The Pittsylvania/Danville Health District will offer school-required immunizations free of charge during its normal vaccination clinics as listed below. Call to make an appointment.

Walk-in availability for rising 7th and 12th graders:  

Tuesday, August 5 Danville 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Chatham 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Danville 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Friday, August 8 Chatham 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here.   Supplies may be limited so we encourage parents to respond quickly in order to get their child vaccinated while supplies last.

If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card.  Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children program which offers free vaccines to eligible children.

VDH encourages parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to find one last minute. You can Locate A VVFC  Provider by simply entering your zip code on the VDH website.

 

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May 30, 2025
Media Contact: Wesley Marshall, wesley.marshall@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Reminds Community of Rabies Exposure Risks and Precautions

DANVILLE, Va. – This time of the year wildlife tends to be more active and are more likely to have interactions with domestic animals of all sizes. The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District wants to remind the public of the risks of rabies to both animals and humans. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal.  Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva if a rabid animal comes into contact with an open wound, the mouth, eyes or nose.

Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. While rabies vaccines are optional for livestock and other larger animals such as horses, it is important to remember the best strategy for prevention is vaccination.

To protect against possible rabies exposure, it is important to follow these guidelines:

  • If your pet and/or livestock has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, check for injuries and contact your local animal control office.
  • Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
  • Do not approach wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, or skunks. If you think a wild animal needs help, call the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (https://dwr.virginia.gov) or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
  • If a domestic animal appears ill, injured or need help, contact your local animal control office for guidance.
  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Confine your pets and livestock to your property.
  • Securely seal garbage containers with lids to deter wild animals.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the health department for further recommendations.

For more information on rabies, contact the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District at (434) 433-3545 or via email at environmentalhealthpdhd@vdh.virginia.gov.  You may also visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/rabies/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

RESCHEDULED: Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Free Flu Vaccine Clinic

January 8, 2025
Media Contact: Chris Garrett, Christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov 

RESCHEDULED: Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Free Flu Vaccine Clinic

DANVILLE, Va. – Due to the potential for hazardous winter weather this weekend, the free flu clinic originally scheduled for Saturday, January 11, at the Habitat Restore in Danville has been rescheduled. Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will continue to partner with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity to provide free flu vaccines on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Habitat Restore, 2805 Riverside Drive, Danville. For any questions regarding this rescheduled event, please call (434)766-9887.

This walk-up event offered during the rescheduled date will offer influenza (flu) vaccinations for everyone ages 3 and older. A limited supply of free influenza vaccine will be available for this event on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone younger than 18.

The purpose of these exercises is to simulate a mass vaccination event in which the health department and local agencies would work together so community members could be vaccinated efficiently during a time of emergency Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will assist health department staff with this exercise. The vaccine is provided by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness.

“We’ve already documented cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications.”

All persons aged six months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:

    • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
    • Persons 65 years of age or older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
    • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
    • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

    • Get vaccinated;
    • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds;
    • Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
    • Stay at home when you are sick.

For more information, call the Danville Health Department at 434-766-9828 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Offers Free Flu Vaccines

December 30, 2024
Media Contact: Chris Garrett Christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Offers Free Flu Vaccines

DANVILLE, Va. – The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is partnering with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity to provide free flu vaccines on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Habitat Restore, 2805 Riverside Drive in Danville. This walk-up event will offer influenza (flu) vaccinations for everyone age 3 and older. A limited supply of free influenza vaccine will be available for this event on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone younger than 18.

The purpose of these exercises is to simulate a mass vaccination event in which the health department and local agencies would work together so community members could be vaccinated efficiently during a time of emergency. Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will assist health department staff with this exercise. The vaccine is provided by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness.

“We’ve already documented cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications.”

All persons age 6 months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
  • Persons 65 years of age or older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
  • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
  • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

  • Get vaccinated;
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds;
  • Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
  • Stay at home when you are sick.

For questions about the flu vaccination event, please call (434)766-9887 or for more information, contact the Danville Health Department at (434) 766-9828 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Conducts Free Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic

December 12, 2024
Media Contact: Chris Garrett Christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Conducts Free Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic

DANVILLE, Va. – The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will conduct a public health exercise offering a free seasonal flu vaccine clinic on Friday, December 27. The clinic will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Pittsylvania County Health Department, 200 HC McGhee Drive in Chatham.

This drive-thru event will offer influenza (flu) vaccinations for everyone age 3 and older. A limited supply of free influenza vaccine will be available for this event on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone younger than 18.

The purpose of these exercises is to simulate a mass vaccination event in which the health department and local agencies would work together so community members could be vaccinated efficiently during a time of emergency. Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will assist health department staff with this exercise. The vaccine is provided by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness.

“We’ve already documented cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications.”

All persons aged 6 months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
  • Persons 65 years of age or older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
  • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
  • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

  • Get vaccinated;
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds;
  • Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
  • Stay at home when you are sick.

For questions about the flu vaccination event, please call (434)766-9887 or for more information or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns in Pittsylvania County

September 23, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Public Information Officer, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns in Pittsylvania County

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – In order to protect the health of residents and visitors, the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is issuing a notice about a raccoon testing positive for rabies in the area of the 500 block of Iris Lane. This location is within Pittsylvania County, just outside of the city of Danville. The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District asks anyone who may have come into contact with the raccoon to call the health district at 434-433-3545.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets and some livestock with a rabies vaccination. Rabies kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus is mainly in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.

Steps to Prevent the Spread of Rabies:

To protect pets and their owners from rabies, Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.

The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is reminding the public to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the rabid raccoon was found. See additional precautions below.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

  • 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, all dogs, cats and ferrets 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.
  • 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.
  • If you observe any stray animals in the area, contact the Pittsylvania County Animal Control for assistance at 434-432-7937. Please do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals.
  • If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District for further recommendations.

For additional information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-health/ or call the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District at 434-433-3545.

September 11, 2024
Media Contact: Chris Garrett, Local Health Emergency Coordinator,
Christopher.Garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Roof Replacement to Begin this Month at the Danville Health Department

DANVILLE, Va. – The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District building, located at 326 Taylor Drive in Danville, will undergo some needed improvements this month. Several stages of roof work will take place with the first phase scheduled to begin on September 16.

During phase one, non-functional solar panels will be removed. This work will be followed by the replacement of the roof. While the construction is not expected to impact any of the health district’s daily operations, we ask visitors to be aware of the construction taking place by avoiding any equipment or supplies which may be temporarily housed on the property. Those visiting should also take note of any important signage which may need to be temporarily displayed as the project progresses.

The City of Danville is anticipating the repairs will take approximately 60 days with completion expected around mid-November.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff

May 9, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, PIO, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff

CHATHAM, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville (PDHD) and Southside (SSHD) Health Districts held an All Staff Meeting on April 19, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham, VA. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Scott Spillmann, director of the two health districts.

During one of the sessions, Dr. Spillmann gave an overview of the Robert W. Johnson County Health Rankings. The County Health Rankings is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). Through this data, counties within each state are ranked on more than 30 health factors such as education, jobs, and access to quality health care.

Population Health Manager Brenna Link discussed the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) processes. The CHA is an examination of the health status of the community that is used to identify key health issues and assets within the community. Based on the data discovered in the CHA, a collaborative plan (CHIP) brings multiple local organizations/groups and residents together to develop an action plan for the community.

To further educate the group, special guest Phil Hysell, science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., gave a presentation on dangerous weather conditions, which included identification of various thunderstorm and cloud types.

Additional topics covered during the meeting included a staff health and wellness session presented by Kelsey Jones of CommonHealth Virginia. The health district’s Business Manager, Krystal Davis, covered a variety of employee engagement topics, including various updates scheduled for the facilities to enhance the work environments at both health district offices.

Several team building exercises were conducted during the day, including staff forming small groups to move stacks of Solo cups into a six-cup pyramid shape using a grappler tool made from a string and rubber band.

Other special guests included: Susan Fischer Davis, M.D., chief deputy commissioner for community health services; Michael Kalson, district senior HR manager; Christina Niblett, regional HR business partner; Brookie Crawford, central region public information officer (PIO) and Linda Scarborough, western region PIO.

Also recognized during the event was Tracy Corns, BSN, RN. Tracy’s compassion and expertise helped comfort an individual who needed emergency medical attention. Recently, Tracy was leaving the Department of Social Services (DSS) to return to the health department office. She saw a man walking towards the building who she thought appeared to look ill. As he was headed into the DSS building, Tracy held the door for him and asked how he was feeling. While he thought he might be having a heart attack, he refused to let Tracy contact 911. She advised DSS to watch for any deteriorating symptoms which may require medical assistance. He later returned to the health department to ask for Tracy to call 911. As they waited for the ambulance to arrive, Tracy took his vitals and continued to comfort the man.  Once the medical personnel arrived, the electrocardiogram indicated that he was having a heart attack, and he was transported to the hospital. Tracy was presented with a certificate of recognition during the staff meeting for her keen observation and her compassion to readily assist someone faced with a dire medical emergency.

Both PDHD and SSHD offer a variety of community health services to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect our community from environmental and other hazards. You can learn more about these services on PDHD or SSHD websites.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic

4/18/2024

Media Contact: Sandra Currie, Program Administrator, Sandra.Currie@vdh.virginia.gov, 434-250-2010

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic

DANVILLE, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will be participating in a Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, April 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at O.T. Bonner Middle School, 300 Apollo Ave., Danville. Rising 7th and 12th graders attending Danville City Public Schools are encouraged to attend.

The types of vaccines available at the clinic are human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal ACWY, and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap). The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public, and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

Vaccinations are available at no cost to the patient as it will be billed to the insurance company or offset by eligibility. Those receiving vaccinations at the clinic must be accompanied by a parents or guardian.  Onsite registration will be available on the day of the event and walk-ins are welcome.

“This vaccine clinic is a convenient way for children and parents to get an early start on preparations for the next school year,” said Dr. Scott Spillmann, health director. “It is our hope that parents or guardians will take advantage of this opportunity as it will save them from taking time away from their summer plans. In addition, it will help to prevent the last-minute push to get the vaccines prior to the beginning of the new school year and will ensure students are able to start school on time.”

School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. Call your local health department for more information, and see when your child is due for their next vaccine here:

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/VDH-Vaccine-Schedule.pdf