Author: lizadelacruz

A Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Forum

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we invite the community to attend Breaking the Silence: Unmasking the Journey from Surviving to Thriving, a community forum dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and encouraging a culture of support, understanding, resilience, and empowerment.

Domestic violence affects individuals, families, and communities in many ways. Creating opportunities for education, open dialogue, and community connection is an important step toward breaking the silence and helping survivors access the support and resources they need.

This forum provides an opportunity for community members to come together in recognition of the strength and resilience of survivors and the importance of building a community where safety, dignity, and healing are priorities.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Core Program: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location:
Rose Marie Arrington Gymnasium & Resilience Center
Operated by GEAR Recovery
1401 Melon St.
Norfolk, VA 23523

In partnership and collaboration with:
Advocates for Hindering Domestic Violence

Moving from Surviving to Thriving

Breaking the silence begins with awareness, compassion, and a willingness to stand together. By bringing our community together, we can help foster greater understanding of domestic violence, affirm the experiences of survivors, and encourage a supportive environment where individuals can pursue healing and move forward with hope.

We invite community members to join us for this important gathering as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reaffirm our commitment to awareness, advocacy, and survivor support.

Together, we can break the silence and help create a path from surviving to thriving.

Important Disclaimer

This forum is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, or counseling advice. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

For support in the United States, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788.

The Norfolk Department of Public Health hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 16, to celebrate the official opening of the Ryan White Part A Program offices within the department’s facility.

Norfolk Deputy City Manager James Rogers joined Norfolk Health Director Dr. Susan Girois and Ryan White Program Director Dr. Cleophas d’Auvergne for the ceremony, which brought together program recipients, local officials, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to recognize this important milestone in expanding access to HIV care and support services.

Strengthening Access to Care

The new office location represents an important step toward improving care coordination and accessibility for eligible individuals living with HIV throughout the region.

By housing the Ryan White Part A Program offices within the health department, the initiative strengthens connections among healthcare providers and support services, helping clients navigate available resources and reducing barriers to treatment.

“This milestone represents our ongoing commitment to expanding access to critical care and ensuring compassionate, comprehensive services for residents,” said Dr. Girois. “Housing the Ryan White Part A offices directly within the health department allows us to better integrate resources and provide seamless support.”

Supporting Individuals Living with HIV

The Ryan White Part A Program provides access to medical care, medication assistance, and essential support services for eligible individuals living with HIV. Through coordinated services and regional partnerships, the program helps connect clients with resources that support their health and well-being.

The opening of the offices reinforces the Norfolk Department of Public Health’s commitment to accessible, person-centered care and continued collaboration with community partners.

About the Norfolk Department of Public Health

The Norfolk Department of Public Health works to protect and promote the health and well-being of Norfolk residents through disease prevention, clinical services, health education, and community partnerships.

The department remains committed to strengthening access to essential health services and supporting healthier communities throughout Norfolk.

Together, we can build stronger care networks and improve access to the services individuals and families need to thrive.

9:00AM-10:00AM | Community & Partner Roundtable
Partners, stakeholders, and community members share updates, concerns, trends, and what they are currently seeing related to opioid use, overdoses, recovery, and community needs, including areas where we are seeing progress or regression.

10:00AM-11:00AM | REVIVE! Training
Full one-hour REVIVE! opioid overdose recognition and response training.

11:00AM-12:00PM | Peer Panel Discussion
Peers with lived experience share their stories, perspectives, challenges, successes, and insight into what support and resources are most meaningful to individuals and families impacted by substance use.

12:00PM-1:00PM | Lunch, Resources & Community Connection
Opportunity for attendees to visit partner resource tables, connect with community organizations, network, and learn more about available services.

1:00PM-2:00PM | REVIVE! Training
Second full one-hour REVIVE! opioid overdose recognition and response training.

2:00PM-2:30PM | Community Action & Closing Discussion
Bring partners, peers, and community members back together to discuss key takeaways from the day, identify gaps or emerging needs, and highlight opportunities for collaboration and next steps through the Norfolk Opioid Coalition and Operation STOP!

Throughout the Day | Rapid REVIVE! education and naloxone distribution will be available in the lobby throughout the event, with the goal of getting naloxone into the hands of as many community members as possible.

This day will be a combined effort of Save a Life Day, with a focus on getting as much naloxone distributed into the community as possible; an All of the Pieces Community Wellness Initiative event, hosted monthly through Operation STOP!; and a Norfolk Opioid Coalition meeting. Most importantly, the day will bring partners, stakeholders, peers, and community members together around education, prevention, harm reduction, recovery, and community voice.

Our goal is to serve 100 people/professionals/peers.

September is National Preparedness Month, making it a great time to talk with your family about what you would do in an emergency.

Emergencies can happen with little or no warning. Having a plan ahead of time can help reduce confusion, keep everyone informed, and make it easier to respond when it matters most.

Start your family preparedness plan

Sit down together and discuss:

• How you will receive emergency information
• Where you will meet if you are separated
• How you will contact one another
• What you should do if you need to evacuate or shelter in place
• What supplies your family may need
• How you will prepare for children, pets, older adults, and family members with special needs

Be sure everyone in the household understands the plan, including children. Review it regularly and update contact information and emergency supplies as your family’s needs change.

Preparedness starts with a conversation.

Take time this National Preparedness Month to make a plan with your family. A few minutes of preparation today can make a big difference during an emergency.

Make a plan. Build a kit. Stay informed. Be ready.

The community is invited to join All Of The Pieces: A Community Wellness Initiative for an afternoon of connection, education, and support in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

Taking place Monday, August 31, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, the event will bring together community members and local resources under the theme “Connecting Resources. Empowering Change.”

The event will provide opportunities for attendees to learn about and connect with services that support health, wellness, safety, and stability, including:

• Wellness screenings
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) bridging
• Fentanyl test strips and Narcan
• Housing assistance
• Continuing education
• Job readiness support
• STI and HIV testing
• Risk reduction kits

Event Details:
? Monday, August 31, 2026
? 1:00–4:00 PM
? 1761 Church St., Norfolk, VA 23504
? 757-945-9451

International Overdose Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to remember those whose lives have been affected by overdose, support individuals and families, and increase awareness of resources that can help prevent overdose deaths.

Together, we can connect resources, empower change, and build a healthier and more supportive community.

Because We Care II. ?

The new school year is almost here, and now is the perfect time to make sure your child is ready. Join us for Back-to-School Clinic Day, hosted by the Norfolk Health District, to complete important health requirements before classes begin.

Event Details

? Date: Thursday, August 20
? Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Services Available

Families can receive:

• School-required vaccinations
• School entrance physicals
• Sports physicals

These services are available for students entering:

• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• 7th Grade
• 12th Grade

Registration Required

Norfolk residents will be prioritized.

Registration is required before August 17. Be sure to register early to reserve your child’s appointment.

Use this link to register: https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=NKFAEF9RCRXFJLXD

If you have the event flyer, simply scan the QR code to complete your registration.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Avoid the back-to-school rush by taking care of your child’s health requirements before the first day of school. This clinic provides a convenient opportunity to ensure your student is prepared for a healthy and successful school year.

We look forward to serving Norfolk families and helping students start the school year ready to learn!

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.