{"id":16873,"date":"2026-01-05T14:42:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T19:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=16873"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:46:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T17:46:29","slug":"2026-news-releases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Statewide News Releases"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t

Sign Up to Receive Statewide News Releases<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

April 9, 2026<\/p>\n

VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia\u2019s Plan for Well-Being<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the next State Health Improvement Plan, also known as the Virginia Plan for Well-Being (VPfWB). The comprehensive plan serves as a data and community-driven roadmap to improve health outcomes, advance equity and ensure that all Virginians live in conditions that allow them to thrive. This second version of the VPfWB builds on best-practice models. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

April 6, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Health Celebrates National Public Health Week<\/b>
\nNational Public Health Week is April 6-12<\/i><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The\u00a0Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is\u00a0recognizing\u00a0National Public Health Week<\/span>, April 6-12,\u00a0by highlighting the critical\u00a0public health\u00a0work of VDH and its partner agencies.\u00a0Virginia\u2019s\u00a0public health workers are reflecting on why they serve, while\u00a0focusing\u00a0on the future of public health and its impact on communities across Virginia. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

March 26, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Health Honors Virginia Medical Reserve Corps Program<\/strong>
\nAwards for Volunteers, Partners for E.P.I.C Work<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) presented four E.P.I.C. (Engage, Partner, Innovate & Champion) Awards to recognize Virginia health districts and partners for their utilization and support of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

March 17, 2026<\/p>\n

VDH Lifts Potomac River Recreational Water Advisory<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013\u00a0Effective\u00a0immediately, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the remaining\u00a0recreational water advisory\u00a0for the Potomac River from\u00a0the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I-495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

March\u00a04,\u00a02026<\/p>\n

Virginia\u00a0to Join Northeast Public Health Collaborative\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va.\u00a0\u2014<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>The Commonwealth of Virginia has officially joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative (NEPHC). The Northeast Public Health Collaborative is a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies and leaders brought together to share\u00a0expertise, improve coordination, enhance capacity, strengthen regional readiness, and promote and protect evidence-based public health.<\/span> more>><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

March 3, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Launches New Logo to\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Reflect\u00a0Unified\u00a0Commitment to Virginia\u2019s EMS System<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u202f<\/span>RICHMOND, Va. \u2014<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) recently launched its new logo to reflect a unified identity and strengthened commitment to Virginia\u2019s EMS providers, system partners and the communities they serve.<\/span> more>><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

February 24, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Health and Office of Vital Records Release Top Baby Names for 2025, Other Interesting Virginia Birth Data<\/strong><\/p>\n

Richmond, Va. \u2013 For many parents, choosing a name for their child is a joyful yet significant decision. Last year, a few names dominated the charts in Virginia. From timeless classics to trendy picks and cultural gems, these names captured the hearts of families across the state. But among the 96,683 babies born in 2025, the real chart-topper is the name you chose for your own little one. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

February 19, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Health Reaffirms its Commitment to Vaccines as a Critical Tool in Protecting the Health of Families and Communities<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Richmond,\u00a0Va.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The Virginia Department of Health\u00a0(VDH)\u00a0is\u00a0reaffirming its commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities.\u00a0VDH recommends that children are vaccinated\u00a0in accordance with\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span>American Academy of Pediatrics\u00a0(AAP)\u00a02026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0VDH expects that healthcare providers will continue to rely on their clinical training and professional judgment and consult information published by the\u00a0<\/span>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span>American Academy of Family Physicians<\/span><\/a>\u00a0when engaging in shared clinical decision-making with parents, caregivers, and patients.<\/span> more>><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

February 6, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case and an Exposure in Northern Region<\/strong>
\nVirginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a pre-school age child (0-4 years). Additionally, VDH was notified of a confirmed case of measles that is a resident of another state and traveled through Ronald Regan Washington National airport on January 26. To protect the patients\u2019 privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patients. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

February 5, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Encourage Virginians to Care for Their Mental Health During Winter Weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, VA \u2013 As temperatures remain low and travel is impacted across Virginia, many Virginians might be experiencing feelings of stress, loneliness, isolation, or tension at home. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) want to remind people to check in with themselves and those they love and reach out for help. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

February 4, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region<\/strong>
\nVirginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Northern Virginia. To protect the patient\u2019s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

January 30, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia<\/strong>
\nVirginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Saturday, January 24. The person is a resident of another state. To protect the patient\u2019s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

January 25, 2026<\/p>\n

Governor Abigail Spanberger Urges Virginians to Keep Safe From Carbon Monoxide Exposure as Emergency Room Visits Rise<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va.\u00a0\u2014 Governor<\/span> Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement urging Virginians to protect their families from carbon exposure poisoning by following all Virginia Department of Health (VDH)guidance as the Commonwealth sees a rise in emergency room visits. more>><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

January 24, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Health Provides Tips to Stay Warm, Healthy During Power Outage<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 With this weekend\u2019s winter storm bringing snow and ice throughout the Commonwealth, widespread power outages can also be anticipated. The Virginia Department of Health shares tips for staying safe, warm and healthy when the power is out. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

January 22, 2026<\/p>\n

As Flu Cases Rise During Respiratory Illness Season, VDH and VHHA Offer Recommendations on Accessing Care and Protecting Against Illness
\n<\/strong>Patients Experiencing Flu and Respiratory Virus Symptoms are Encouraged to Take Steps to Protect their Health and Seek Care in the Appropriate Medical Setting<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va.\u00a0\u2013 As communities across the nation and in Virginia experience increased levels of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) urge the public to take steps to prevent illness and seek appropriate care, when needed. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

January 20, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region<\/strong>
\nVirginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a preschool-age child (0-4 years) who recently traveled internationally. This case is unrelated to a recent measles case reported on January 11. To protect the patient\u2019s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed and appreciate the active collaboration of affected healthcare facilities. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

January 15, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Health Officials Re<\/strong>port the\u00a0<\/strong>First Pediatric Flu Death of the 2025\u20132026 Season<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the first influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2025\u201326 influenza (flu) season in Virginia. Sadly, a preschool-age child (0-4 years) in VDH\u2019s Eastern Region died from complications associated with flu. To protect the family\u2019s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the child. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

January 14, 2026<\/p>\n

Governor Glenn Youngkin Celebrates Major Accomplishments in Strengthening Oversight of Virginia\u2019s Nursing Homes<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, VA \u2014 Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday hosted a public event at the Patrick Henry Building to recognize major accomplishments delivered under Executive Order 52, \u201cStrengthening Oversight of Virginia\u2019s Nursing Homes,\u201d and to honor the state employees whose work rebuilt critical oversight systems serving Virginia\u2019s most vulnerable seniors.<\/p>\n

\n

January 12, 2026<\/p>\n

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin Celebrate Partnership for Petersburg\u2019s Success and Make New Sustainability Announcements<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Admiral Brian Christine, MD, HHS Senior Advisor Calley Means, HHS Associate Deputy Secretary West Cuthbert, as well as members of the Petersburg community for an important milestone of the Partnership for Petersburg initiative. In addition to recognizing the historic results this Partnership has already delivered for Petersburg, the event also involved major announcements for the future of Petersburg.<\/p>\n

\n

January 11, 2026<\/p>\n

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state\u2019s second measles case of 2026. The patient is a preschool-age child (0-4 years) in the Northern Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the patient\u2019s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Virginia health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed. more>><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\n
\n\t
See News Releases from Previous Years<\/a><\/strong>
\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sign Up to Receive Statewide News Releases April 9, 2026 VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia\u2019s Plan for Well-Being RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":510,"featured_media":0,"parent":19,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16873","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n2026 Statewide News Releases - Newsroom<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2026 Statewide News Releases - Newsroom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sign Up to Receive Statewide News Releases April 9, 2026 VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia\u2019s Plan for Well-Being RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Newsroom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-09T17:46:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/public-relations-contacts\\\/2026-news-releases\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/public-relations-contacts\\\/2026-news-releases\\\/\",\"name\":\"2026 Statewide News Releases - Newsroom\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-05T19:42:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-09T17:46:29+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/public-relations-contacts\\\/2026-news-releases\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/public-relations-contacts\\\/2026-news-releases\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/public-relations-contacts\\\/2026-news-releases\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Newsroom\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"2026 Statewide News Releases\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/\",\"name\":\"Newsroom\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\\\/news\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"2026 Statewide News Releases - Newsroom","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"2026 Statewide News Releases - Newsroom","og_description":"Sign Up to Receive Statewide News Releases April 9, 2026 VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia\u2019s Plan for Well-Being RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the […]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/","og_site_name":"Newsroom","article_modified_time":"2026-04-09T17:46:29+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/","name":"2026 Statewide News Releases - Newsroom","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-01-05T19:42:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-09T17:46:29+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-news-releases\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Newsroom","item":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"2026 Statewide News Releases"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/","name":"Newsroom","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/510"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16873"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18057,"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16873\/revisions\/18057"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}