Tag: WIC

Mecklenburg County Health Department Opens Chase City Facility for Clinical Services

November 17, 2025

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

Mecklenburg County Health Department Opens Chase City Facility for Clinical Services

CHASE CITY, Va. – Southside Health District is proud to announce the official opening of Mecklenburg County Health Department’s new clinical services facility located at 200 East 5th St. in Chase City. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 14, marking the department’s commitment to providing access to essential public health services for the Mecklenburg community.

Ribbon cutting of the Chase City Health Clinic. Pictured: Southside Health District staff, Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, Chase City Mayor Alden Fahringer, Delegate Otto Wachsmann (83rd District), Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi (9th District), and Mecklenburg County Administrator Alex Gottschalk.
Ribbon cutting of the Chase City Health Clinic.
Pictured: Southside Health District staff, Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, Chase City Mayor Alden Fahringer, Delegate Otto Wachsmann (83rd District), Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi (9th District), and Mecklenburg County Administrator Alex Gottschalk.

“We were pleased to welcome government officials and the community to our new facility as staff showcased the range of services we provide,” said Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “This open house offered a chance for people to meet our dedicated team and learn more about how we can help them lead healthier lives.”

Although the clinic has been serving residents since April, the ribbon cutting provided the opportunity to formally celebrate the new facility. The Chase City clinic makes it easier to meet the health needs of families and individuals across the county.

Services offered at the Chase City clinic include:

  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program: Nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food program for eligible families.
  • Immunizations: Routine childhood vaccinations, boosters for adults, and protection against preventable diseases like the flu.
  • Family Planning: Confidential counseling, birth control options, pregnancy testing, and physical exams.
  • STI Clinics: Clinical exams, lab work, and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, to include HIV.
  • Vital Records: Virginia birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates.

“This new clinic strengthens our ability to provide our community with the resources they need to live healthier lives. We are excited to provide high‑quality services in a space that meets the needs of our residents” said Tina Slabach, Nurse Manager Senior, Mecklenburg County Health Department.

For additional information on these clinic services, or to schedule an appointment please contact the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 434-533-8213.

Mecklenburg County Health Department’s environmental health, epidemiology, and population health programs remain at the Boydton office located at 478 Washington St., Boydton, Va.

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Goochland Health Department to Host an Open House

Goochland, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District (CHD) invites you to explore the services available at the Goochland Health Department during an Open House event on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Health Department is located in the Goochland County Administration building: 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063.

“This is an opportunity for community members to learn more about the public health programs provided by their local health department and ask us questions. We’ll have staff available to discuss clinical services, the WIC nutrition program, our environmental health program, naloxone education, and the car seat program, among other topics,” stated Emily Hines, CHD’s Population Health Planning and Improvement Coordinator. “Attendees will have the opportunity to provide recommendations regarding the recently published 2025-2029 Goochland County Community Health Improvement Plan so we’re looking forward to your input!”

There will also be food, activities, and a chance to receive a thank-you prize during the event. The Open House is for all Goochland County community members and local organizations. For more information about the Chickahominy Health District, please visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy.

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Central Shenandoah Health District: Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning

August 21, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District: Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning
Central Shenandoah Health District Supports Moms During National Breastfeeding Month

STAUNTON, Va.– It’s often referred to as “liquid gold” and during August, National Breastfeeding Month, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is pumping out tips and resources to support new parents and celebrate the benefits of human milk. Here are eight reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial:

  1. Breast milk helps build babies’ immune systems which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work because breastfed babies are not sick as often.
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient. No bottles to wash and it’s always with you.
  4. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
  5. Breastfeeding promotes bonding. When you breastfeed, your body produces more oxytocin known as the “love hormone.” Its calming and stress-reducing effects enhance feelings of love and well-being.
  6. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast and ovarian
  7. Breastfeeding can save money and the planet. It’s natural and eco-friendly.
  8. Breastmilk changes as your baby grows to meet their nutritional and developmental needs, making it the perfect food.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends infants be breastfed for the first six months of life, with gradual introduction of solid foods at six months. Infants can continue to be breastfed for the first year of life and thereafter as long as mom and baby desire.

“Those of us that work in public health are passionate about breastfeeding, and for good reason,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is linked to many benefits for mothers and babies alike, and supporting mothers in this endeavor is crucial.”

If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers, or just aren’t comfortable – let us support you.  Check out these VDH resources to:

For more information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page or contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov

Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning

August 6, 2025
Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning
The Chesapeake Health Department Supports Moms During National Breastfeeding Month

Chesapeake, Va.– It’s often referred to as “liquid gold” and during August, National Breastfeeding Month, the Chesapeake Health Department is pumping out tips and resources to support new parents and celebrate the benefits of human milk.

Two-time Breastfeeding Gold Award and 2024 WIC Department of the Year recipients, Chesapeake WIC, will celebrate Friday, August 8, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Chesapeake Health Department, 748 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. WIC families will enjoy games, giveaways, lactation consultants, and a stroller parade.

Here are eight reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial:

  1. Breast milk helps build babies’ immune systems which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work because breastfed babies are not sick as often.
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient. No bottles to wash and it’s always with you.
  4. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
  1. Breastfeeding promotes bonding. When you breastfeed, your body produces more oxytocin known as the “love hormone.” Its calming and stress-reducing effects enhance feelings of love and well-being.
  2. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
  1. Breastfeeding can save money and the planet. It’s natural and eco-friendly.
  2. Breastmilk changes as your baby grows to meet their nutritional and developmental needs, making it the perfect food.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends infants be breastfed for the first six months of life, with gradual introduction of solid foods at six months. Infants can continue to be breastfed for the first year of life and thereafter as long as mom and baby desire.

Chesapeake Health Department Director, Dr. Nancy Welch, is a staunch supporter of the program and WIC staff. “Excellence doesn’t happen by accident. The well-earned recognition of our Chesapeake WIC staff exemplifies the very definition of public health as a community value. We are here to serve.”

If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers or just aren’t comfortable – let us support you.  VDH has lots of resources including:

For more information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page or contact The Chesapeake Health department at 757-382-8631.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Breastfeeding and Nutrition Support Services

August 6, 2025 

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

 Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Breastfeeding and Nutrition Support Services
August is National Breastfeeding Month
 

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) highlight breastfeeding and nutrition support services available for pregnant people and new parents. 

“National Breastfeeding Month reminds us that new and expecting parents need support, encouragement and resources as they navigate the challenging first years of a child’s life,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Richmond and Henrico Health Districts provide a variety of support services and connect community partners to families who need them most.”  

The 2025 National Breastfeeding Month theme is Forward Together. 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at RHHD helps pregnant people, mothers, infants and young children up to age five stay healthy during critical times of growth. The WIC program offers:  

  • Quality nutrition education and counseling  
  • Breastfeeding support, services and supplies  
  • A healthy food package including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and more 
  • Referrals to community partners 
  • Access to prenatal, maternal and pediatric health care services 

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors serve families before and after the delivery of their infants. Peer counselors meet with families in clinics, homes, hospitals and by phone, depending on local program offerings. Families with questions about breastfeeding can visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wicbreastfeeding/. 

Visit rhhd.gov/wic for more information about services available in Richmond City and Henrico County. Visit fns.usda.gov/wic for more information about the national WIC program. 

RHHD bilingual (English/Spanish) social workers provide maternity case management focused on early access to prenatal care. Henrico County residents can call 804-501-5520 and Richmond City residents can call 804-482-5454 for more information. 

Through the Health Equity Fund, Richmond & Henrico Public Health Foundation partners with Family Lifeline, Virginia Prison Birth Project and Urban Baby Beginnings to offer community-based programs for underserved expecting and new parents in Richmond.  

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news. 

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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.

Chesterfield Health District Celebrates Virginia Volunteer Week

April 21, 2025
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, PR Specialist, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Chesterfield Health District Celebrates Virginia Volunteer Week
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers make significant contributions to public health.

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — Emily Garofalo, of Midlothian, has volunteered with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) at Chesterfield Health District since 2021. She had just retired from VCU Health in 2020 after 45 years as a nurse in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including working in pediatrics. Emily jumped back into patient care shortly after receiving her COVID-19 vaccine when she volunteered to help with COVID-19 testing and immunizations. Having worked in infectious disease units, she trusted her personal protective equipment and vaccine to keep her safe.

Years later, Garofalo found out she could help with the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program. She was excited to continue helping babies and children. Now, she takes and records their height, weight and tests hemoglobin (iron). She relies on her many years of experience to use distraction tactics and techniques that make it easier to get kids to cooperate when getting a shot.

“Kids just want to help and they’re naturally curious,” Garofalo said. “I just play with them and have fun, so they’re distracted from a quick finger or heel prick.”

She has taken her passion to the next level and now trains other volunteers to help in WIC. MRC Coordinator Sarah Gagnon, said, “I love it when we can match a volunteer’s passion with a program we offer. They can take it beyond levels we are able to accomplish with limited staffing.”

One afternoon, Garofalo recognized one of her WIC clients as a former patient in the pediatric ICU at VCU Health. The parents remembered how she cared for them in their time of need. It was a surreal moment to come full circle and be able to help the client get access to healthy foods and understand the nutrition needed for growth and development.

As a daughter of a Polish immigrant who was a prisoner of war for seven years, she has a strong desire to help people who have been displaced with disproportionate access to healthy lifestyles. The health department is the perfect place for her.

Volunteering is a great way to give back.

Pete Plourd, also of Midlothian, has volunteered since 2019. He earned a silver pin for 500 hours last fall and now has more than 800 hours. Plourd grew up on a farm in northern Maine, retired from the Army after 20 years in computers, 19 years as a government contractor in computers, 12 years as a real estate broker and maintained yards on the side.

He first found out about the MRC program while volunteering with the Community Emergency Response Team in Chesterfield. Despite having no medical background, he volunteered countless hours in the COVID vaccine clinics, helping with call centers, setup, registration and cleanup. Now he works in the women’s health clinic, bringing patients from the waiting room to the exam room, checks their weight and height, and prepares the room for the provider.

“The nurses absolutely love him!” Gagnon said. “He’s been a reliable help over the years and makes life easier for everyone.”

“I love helping people and giving back to my community,” Plourd said. He also volunteers at his church and golf club. At 87, he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

The need for bilingual volunteers is great.

Angelica Galindo, of Chesterfield, volunteers in the preventive and community health clinic, walking patients from the waiting area to the exam room. Originally from Mexico, Galindo speaks the same language as most of the patients, which makes them feel more at ease. She’s only volunteered a couple of months but she’s already studying to earn a certificate in translation.

“Since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to work in health care,” Galindo said. “Now I am putting my love of meeting people and helping them to good use.

When she’s not working, Galindo takes people to the hospital and court to translate and be supportive.

“She is blazing a trail for us to streamline our volunteer onboarding process for those whose primary language is not English,” Gagnon said. “She’s doing a great job helping the patients and nurses here.”

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Norfolk Department of Public Health Promotes WIC Program’s Current Schedule and Upcoming Events

November 27, 2024  
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-799-8699

Norfolk Department of Public Health Promotes WIC Program’s Current Schedule and Upcoming Events

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is excited to announce the current schedule for its Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, aimed at providing essential nutritional support to families in our community. We are committed to ensuring that eligible participants have easy access to our services through a variety of locations and events.

Current WIC Locations:

  • Berkley Boys and Girls Club (Mobile Clinic): Every second, third and fourth Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 701 Berkley Ave.
  • Pretlow Library (Mobile Clinic): First Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 111 W. Ocean View Ave.

In addition to our regular locations, we are thrilled to host WIC Shopping Tours designed to help participants make the most of their benefits. These tours will be held at the Food Lion located at 2401 Colley Ave,. in Norfolk. Participants will receive hands-on guidance on how to shop effectively for healthy foods using their WIC benefits. To register for a WIC Shopping Tour, please call 757-985-4856.

  • December 3, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. (English)
  • December 3, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Spanish)

Are you a New or Expecting Mother?
Join us for an engaging In-Person WIC Breastfeeding Class designed to support new and expectant mothers! Learn essential techniques, get personalized advice, and connect with other parents in a welcoming environment. Our knowledgeable instructors will provide valuable information to help new parents navigate their breastfeeding journey with confidence. These events will be held for WIC Participants at the Huntersville WIC location at 830 Goff St. To register: CLICK HERE

  • December 4 at 2 p.m.
  • December 11 at 9:30 a.m.

We invite all eligible families to take advantage of our WIC services and events. Together, we can promote health and well-being for women, infants, and children in Norfolk. For more information about the WIC Program, please visit NorfolkPublicHealth.com or contact us directly at 757-985-4856 or norfolkwic@vdh.virginia.gov.

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Norfolk WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award; Invites You to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

August 19, 2024
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov Phone: 757-799-8699

Norfolk WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award; Invites You to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is delighted to announce that its Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program has been awarded the prestigious USDA 2024 WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practices.

This award is given to WIC programs that exhibit a strong commitment to improving breastfeeding practices and providing high-quality support services. Norfolk WIC was awarded one of only two WIC Gold Awards in Virginia.

In celebration of this significant accomplishment and to honor National Breastfeeding Month, Norfolk WIC invites you to a special event on August 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WIC Park Place office located at 606 W 29th St. in Norfolk.

This event is designed to support and celebrate the journey of breastfeeding. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with lactation professionals, gain valuable breastfeeding education, and access a variety of resources for pregnancy and lactation. There will also be exciting giveaways and much more!

Event Details:
Date: August 30
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: WIC Park Place Office, 606 W 29th St, Norfolk
RSVP: Click to Register (FREE)

“This event is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate and support breastfeeding,” said Denise Williams of Norfolk WIC. “We are committed to providing the necessary resources and education to help parents on their breastfeeding journey.”

Join us for a day of learning, support, and celebration. Norfolk WIC is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children through education and resources.

For more information about the USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award, National Breastfeeding Month event, or the Norfolk WIC Program’s breastfeeding support services, please visit NorfolkPublicHealth.com, call (757) 683-2792 or email norfolkwic@vdh.gov.

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Chesapeake WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award  

August 8, 2024
Media Contact:  Kimi Stevens, Public Relations Coordinator, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov or (757) 382-8650

Chesapeake WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award  

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Chesapeake WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is honored to have received the USDA 2024 WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practices, one of only two WIC Gold Awards in Virginia and the second consecutive award for Chesapeake WIC.  The Norfolk Department of Public Health WIC Program also received the USDA WIC 2024 Gold Award. WIC is a federally funded nutrition education program supported by the Virginia Department of Health.

The goal of Virginia WIC is to improve the health of pregnant women, infants, and children through better nutrition and access to healthcare. The program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, supplemental nutritious foods, and counseling at WIC clinics, as well as screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services. To be eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must meet categorical, residential, income, and nutrition risk requirements.

Chesapeake Health Department Director Nancy Welch, MD is a staunch supporter of the program and WIC staff.

“Excellence doesn’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Welch. “The well-earned recognition of our Chesapeake WIC staff exemplifies the very definition of public health as a community value. We are here to serve.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture established the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence program to recognize local WIC agencies providing exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. The goal is to help local agencies and clinics to strengthen their breastfeeding promotion and support activities and ultimately increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among WIC participants. Awards are valid for four years.

Chesapeake WIC will recognize World Breastfeeding Week at the Chesapeake Health Department with a client celebration Friday, August 9, from 12 to 3 p.m.

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