Author: lizadelacruz

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.

Congratulations Phelecia Riddick-Debnam on being named the 2026 Norfolk Health District and Eastern Region Nurse of the Year.

Phelecia joined the Norfolk Health District in April 2020, during one of the most challenging periods in modern public health history—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional adaptability and resilience, serving in Emergency Preparedness Response with professionalism and poise under pressure. While many were navigating uncertainty, Phelecia quickly emerged as a steady, solution-oriented leader dedicated to protecting and serving the community.

In her current role as Clinic Nurse Supervisor, Phelecia oversees several high-impact services, including sexual health, childhood and adult immunizations, and childhood and adolescent physical examinations. She ensures that clinical services operate efficiently, equitably, and in alignment with evidence-based standards of care.

Through her strategic coordination and tireless commitment, more than 1,509 community members—many from vulnerable and underserved populations—were vaccinated in 2025. Her efforts not only improve immunization rates but also strengthen trust between the public health system and the community.

What truly distinguishes Phelecia is her ability to lead with both clinical expertise and genuine compassion. She consistently advocates for patients, supports her team with integrity, and approaches every challenge with determination and professionalism. Her contributions extend far beyond measurable outcomes—she elevates the standard of nursing practice within our department and serves as a role model for public health nurses across the region.

Phelecia exemplifies the very best of the nursing profession and represents the mission and values of the Virginia Department of Health with distinction.

Norfolk Community Services Board Prevention Services, in partnership with Virginia Stage Company and Booker T. Washington Academy of the Arts, invites the community to attend Every Brilliant Thing: The Tour — a powerful and uplifting Mental Health Awareness Month event focused on resilience, connection, and hope.

The evening will feature a performance of Every Brilliant Thing by Virginia Stage Company, along with special performances by Booker T. Washington Academy of the Arts theatre students, student artwork displays, and access to local mental health resources and community partners.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, May 13
Location: Booker T. Washington High School Theater
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Admission: Free
Recommended Age: 14+

Every Brilliant Thing is a moving and humorous one-character play that explores depression, resilience, and the small joys that make life worth living. Through storytelling and community engagement, this event aims to encourage open conversations about mental health and remind attendees that support and hope are always within reach.

Community members, families, students, and supporters are encouraged to attend this meaningful evening of theatre, art, and awareness.

The Norfolk Department of Public Health’s partnership with the Norfolk City Jail was featured in an interview with WAVY TV.

This segment highlights our collaborative efforts to expand STI testing and treatment within the jail to address the high rates of infections in Norfolk. The coverage showcases how our team is providing voluntary screenings for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C directly to inmates, helping to break down barriers to care and build a healthier community.

You can watch the full interview and read the story here: Norfolk Health Department partners with Norfolk City Jail to provide STI testing to inmates

Thank you to Lindsey Mayo and the entire DIS team for your hard work in making a difference in the lives of our residents, including the incarcerated.

The Norfolk Department of Public Health (NDPH) is welcoming the spring season by offering free rabies vaccinations to local pet owners. This community event is designed to promote responsible pet ownership and support the health and safety of both animals and residents.

Event Details
The vaccination clinic will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 830 Southampton Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to free rabies vaccines, attendees can enjoy giveaways while supplies last.

What to Expect
Rabies vaccinations will be provided at no cost, but availability is limited. Vaccines will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is encouraged.

Requirements for Participation
To ensure a safe and efficient event, pet owners are asked to follow these guidelines:

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a vaccination
• Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times
• Cats must be secured in carriers
• Pet owners who wish to receive a three-year rabies vaccine must bring proof of prior vaccination. Without documentation, a one-year vaccine will be administered

Rabies vaccination is a critical part of maintaining your pet’s health and protecting the broader community. This event provides a convenient and cost-free opportunity for pet owners to stay up to date on vaccinations.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-435-9589.