Tag: WIC

Crater Health Districts Says Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community

March 26, 2026
Media Contact: Kayla Barber, Kayla.Barber@vdh.virginia.gov

Media Contact: Rashel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health Districts Says Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community
March is National Nutrition Month in Virginia

PETERSBURG, Va. – One in four people are living with obesity in the United States. In Virginia, it’s closer to one in three (32%). 2024, approximately 32% of Virginia adults were classified as obese. March is National Nutrition Month, and the Crater Health District (CHD) wants to remind you that nutrition plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only about 12% of adults reported eating the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

“National Nutrition Month is a great reminder that healthy eating starts right here in our community. When families have access to fresh foods, local resources, and practical guidance, everyone has a better chance to thrive,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “Our health department is proud to offer nutrition resources and provide food boxes to help the community.”

Eating healthier can change your health outcomes. Crater Health District has implemented a variety of programs to address nutrition and food security across the state. CHD offers programs, such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, nutrition education and counseling, supplemental nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, health screenings and referrals, immunization referrals and monitoring, farmers market nutrition program (FMNP), and FEEDMORE resources to provide access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health services to thousands of Virginians each year.

“Celebrate National Nutrition Month with the Crater Health District WIC Program and discover how powerful good nutrition can be, said Kayla Barber, WIC Coordinator, Crater Health District. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under five, your local WIC office can connect you with nutritious foods. Rather than scroll through diet trends on social media, apply for WIC and gain access to nutrition experts. Let us help your family stay nourished, healthy, and confident on any budget.”

Crater Health District wants you to consider these five tips for proper daily nutrition:

  • Eat a Variety of Foods: Include a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your daily meals to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.
  • Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Grains: Whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread) provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains.
  • Limit Added Sugars and Salt: Reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts, and salty snacks, and check nutrition labels for hidden sugars and sodium.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, aiming for at least 6–8 cups unless your healthcare provider directs otherwise.
  • Practice Portion Control and Mindful Eating: Be aware of portion sizes, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating.

Throughout March, CHD encourages you to take this opportunity to learn more about nutrition, explore local resources, and adopt healthier eating habits.

  • Find an accountability partner to keep you on track.
  • Start with small practices and build your plan of healthier habits.
  • Try new, healthier practices at your favorite restaurant and be mindful of the decisions you make to stay on track.

Visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthy-communities/healthy-food-environments/ for nutrition resources or contact the Crater Health District at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District for more information.

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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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Holding Ground on Maternal Health

January 23, 2026
Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

Holding Ground on Maternal Health
Chesapeake Health District Delivering Hope on Maternal Health Awareness Day, January 23

CHESAPEAKE, Va.– The Chesapeake Health Department renews its commitment to protecting mothers and supporting healthy families before, during and after pregnancy. Through preventative services, access to care, and postpartum support, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) can help address issues such as high blood pressure, substance use, mental health, and chronic conditions to make pregnancy and the postpartum period safer and healthier for all families.

A simple start to a healthy pregnancy for all women of childbearing age is to take a daily supplement with folic acid. Folic acid will help reduce the risk of birth defects to a baby’s spine and brain.

In 2022, 67 women in Virginia died from pregnancy-associated causes.  Pregnancy-associated means during or up to one year after pregnancy, regardless of the cause of death or outcome of the pregnancy. The mortality rate for Black and Hispanic women is twice that of white women.

“As a pediatrician, I am encouraged to see the focus on maternal health,” said Dr. Nancy Welch, Director, Chesapeake Health Department. “Early support of mothers during pregnancy has significantly improved birth outcomes and post-partum success. Studies also show that prevention and pre-natal care have a positive impact on the long-term cost of health care across the board.”

VDH is working hard to reduce the number of maternal deaths, as well as avoidable health complications that families face. The Chesapeake Health Department offers a variety of pregnancy and postpartum resources to support families and physicians.

Virginia WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, supplemental nutritious foods, counseling at WIC clinics, and screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services to improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children. WIC – Women, Infants and Children – Chesapeake Health District

In Virginia, nine home visiting models are available to eligible families. These models are free services where trained professionals visit expectant and new families in their homes. They provide personalized support, parenting guidance, health and development checks, and connections to community resources, including improved access to food and employment. Families can visit the Early Impact Virginia (EIV) directory to get connected to services.

BabyCare Home Visitation connects you with registered nurses, offering resources, personal support and experienced care in-home, online, by text and phone from pregnancy until your baby is two years old. BabyCare – Chesapeake Health District

If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, reach out to the Chesapeake Health Department BayCare Team at at (757) 382-8652 or email ChesapeakeBabyCare@vdh.virginia.gov. Staff are available to help guide families toward a healthier pregnancy.

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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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