Author: lizadelacruz

The Norfolk Department of Public Health has lifted the swimming advisories that were issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for all nine Ocean View beaches.

Follow-up water sampling has confirmed that enterococci bacteria levels are now within Virginia State Water Quality Standards, indicating that water quality has returned to safe levels for recreational swimming. As a result, all advisory signs are being removed.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying Norfolk’s beaches while following general water safety practices and staying informed about current beach conditions.

For additional information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

For current swimming advisory maps, beach monitoring updates, and recreational water safety information, visit the Virginia Department of Health Beach Monitoring Program:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/beach-monitoring/

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while the advisories were in effect and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable time at the beach this summer. 🌊☀️

Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, but with the right precautions, heat-related illnesses are preventable. As temperatures rise, it’s important to know how to stay safe and recognize who is most vulnerable.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Children
• Older adults
• Outdoor workers
• People with disabilities

How to Stay Safe

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Check on neighbors, friends, and family members who may be more vulnerable to heat.

Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Vehicle

Even when the outside temperature is around 80°F, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly exceed 100°F within minutes, creating life-threatening conditions. Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in a vehicle.

Know the Heat Alerts

Understanding heat alerts can help you prepare:

• Heat Outlook: Potential for excessive heat several days in advance.
• Heat Watch: Conditions are favorable for dangerous heat within the next 12–48 hours.
• Heat Warning/Advisory: Dangerous heat is expected or occurring—take immediate precautions.

By staying informed and taking simple preventive measures, we can all reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and enjoy the summer safely.

Stay hydrated. Stay cool. Stay safe.

The Norfolk Health Department has now lifted all three Swimming Advisories posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, for North Community Beach, Ocean View Park, and 13th View. Re-sampling of the water at these locations has determined that levels of enterococci organisms are within State Water Quality Standards. All posted advisory signs are being removed and the VDH recreational water monitoring map is also being updated.

Annually, the CSTE Conference brings together more than 2,800 public health epidemiologists from across the United States to learn, network, and share expertise in surveillance, epidemiology, and public health practice. The Epidemiology community gathered in Boston, Massachusetts from May 31, 2026–June 4, 2026 under the conference theme, “A Beacon for Public Health: Epidemiology Guiding the Way for 75 Years and Beyond.” Attendees engaged with epidemiology and public health professionals from across the country, shared best practices, explored emerging public health challenges, and gained insights from leaders across a wide range of public health disciplines, including informatics, infectious diseases, substance use, immunizations, environmental health, occupational health, chronic disease, injury prevention, and maternal and child health.

 

Attendees: Pherin Alexander (Epi), Saumya Patel (Epi), and Jada Fowler (DIS). The Epidemiology Team was selected to deliver an in-person poster presentation.

 

Poster 908: Tiny Patients, Big Resistance: A Pediatric Carbapenem-resistant Organism Outbreak Investigation

 

Registration Open for the 2026 Health & Science Summer Academy

The College of Science, Engineering, & Technology at Norfolk State University is offering its 2026 Health & Science Summer Academy, a four-week program designed to engage students in hands-on learning, scientific exploration, and creative experiences.

The academy provides a unique opportunity for students to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and explore potential educational and career pathways in health, science, technology, and related fields.

Program Details

Dates: June 24 – July 21, 2026
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Norfolk State University
Cost: $325 per student

Eligibility

The program is open to rising 6th through rising 12th grade students.

What Students Can Expect

Participants will engage in a variety of enriching activities, including:

• Interactive learning experiences
• Field trips
• Fine arts activities
• Health and science exploration
• Educational enrichment opportunities

The academy encourages students to discover, explore, and be inspired while building knowledge and confidence in STEM-related subjects.

Contact Information

For additional information about the Health & Science Summer Academy, please contact:

📧 pcsmith@nsu.edu
📞 757-823-8180

Families interested in providing their students with a fun, educational, and engaging summer experience are

🌱 Together We Bloom: Summer Camp Experience 2026

This summer, give your child an opportunity to grow, create, and lead through the Together We Bloom Summer Camp Experience, presented by Teens With A Purpose (TWP).

Designed for rising 6th–12th graders, this FREE summer program opens young people to new experiences, self-discovery, creativity, and leadership development. Through arts, skill-building workshops, mental health support, and leadership activities, participants will build confidence, discover their strengths, and connect with peers in a positive environment.

What Campers Can Expect

✨ Arts and creative expression
✨ Leadership development activities
✨ Mental health and wellness support
✨ Team-building experiences
✨ Evidence-based curriculum
✨ Teen-led programming
✨ Daily meals provided
✨ Transportation available upon request

Camp Sessions

🗓 Session 1: June 15 – June 26
🗓 Session 2: June 29 – July 10
🗓 Session 3: July 20 – July 31

Camp Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Location

📍 VCM Teen Center
700 E Olney Center
Norfolk, VA 23504

Registration

Attendance is FREE, but registration is required.

Join us this summer where young voices grow, heal, and bloom together.

🌐 Visit: www.twp-themovement.org

Men Healing Through Healthy Relationships Webinar Scheduled for June 30

In recognition of National Men’s Mental Health Month and Fatherhood Awareness Month, SPEAKOUT, Virginia’s Youth Advisory Board, will host a virtual webinar titled “Men Healing Through Healthy Relationships” on June 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This engaging discussion will feature men from two different generations who have been impacted by the child welfare system. Through sharing their lived experiences, panelists will explore topics including men’s mental health, fatherhood, mentorship, emotional awareness, and the critical role healthy relationships play in personal growth and healing.

The webinar is designed to promote healing-centered conversations, uplift lived experience, and strengthen youth and young adult voices across Virginia’s child welfare system. Participants will have the opportunity to hear authentic perspectives, reflect on the power of connection, and learn how supportive relationships can foster resilience and well-being.

The event is open to youth, young adults, professionals, caregivers, advocates, and community members interested in supporting positive mental health outcomes and meaningful connections.

Event Details

Men Healing Through Healthy Relationships
Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Webinar

Registration Deadline: June 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Adult and youth registration links are available on the event flyer.

For questions about the webinar, please contact the event organizers listed on the flyer.

Join us as we recognize the importance of men’s mental health, celebrate fatherhood, and explore how healthy relationships can support healing, growth, and connection.

The Norfolk Department of Public Health is partnering with Firearms Safety First, LLC to offer a free Community Firearm Safety and Injury Prevention Course focused on awareness, decision-making, leadership, and situational awareness.

This interactive course will be led by Brian “DOC” Bowen, Veteran, Survivor, and Owner of Firearms Safety First, LLC.

📅 Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: 830 Southampton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

40 Seats Available

🎟 Registration: https://tinyurl.com/2r6vf8u

Please see attached flyer for more details .

Feel free to register and help us share this opportunity with your networks.

Communities across Hampton Roads continue to be affected by firearm-related incidents and violence. Education, awareness, and informed decision-making are important tools for prevention and safety. This program is open to the public and welcomes participants of all ages, with youth and young adults especially encouraged to attend.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize warning signs early
• Build confidence and leadership skills
• Make smarter decisions under pressure
• Develop stronger situational awareness
• Promote safer choices and positive environments

The course includes interactive discussions, real-life scenarios, and meaningful engagement designed to help participants apply these skills in everyday situations.

Please register today and share this event with your colleagues, community partners, schools, faith communities, youth-serving organizations, neighborhood associations, families, and residents throughout Hampton Roads.

Together, we can expand awareness, encourage positive decision-making, and strengthen community safety.