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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.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding about alcohol use, its impact on individuals and communities, and the importance of prevention and recovery.

Alcohol misuse remains a significant public health concern, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It can contribute to a wide range of physical health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and weakened immune function. Beyond physical health, alcohol misuse can also impact mental well-being, relationships, workplace performance, and overall quality of life.

Alcohol Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the risks associated with excessive drinking, as well as the signs of alcohol use disorder. These may include difficulty controlling drinking, neglecting responsibilities, increased tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

Equally important is recognizing that help is available. Recovery is possible, and many individuals successfully overcome alcohol-related challenges with the right support. Treatment options may include counseling, support groups, medical care, and community-based programs tailored to individual needs.

This month also encourages open and honest conversations to reduce stigma. When we create a supportive environment, we make it easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

There are many ways to participate in Alcohol Awareness Month:

• Learn about the effects of alcohol on the body and mind
• Talk openly with friends and family about healthy habits
• Support local prevention and recovery programs
• Encourage those who may be struggling to seek help

By raising awareness and promoting compassion, we can help build healthier communities and support those on the path to recovery.

Download free evidence-based resources on alcohol misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support from the SAMHSA library: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery/recovery-resource-center

This week, we celebrate National Public Health Week—a time to recognize the power of prevention, the importance of community, and the people working every day to keep us safe and healthy. 💙

From promoting healthy lifestyles to preventing disease and ensuring access to care, public health plays a vital role in our everyday lives—often behind the scenes, but always making a difference.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the public health professionals, advocates, and organizations working tirelessly to build stronger, healthier communities for all. 🌎

#NationalPublicHealthWeek #PublicHealthMatters #HealthyCommunities

National Poison Prevention Week is March 15-21

Poisonings can happen to anyone, at any age. Everyday items, like medications, cleaning products, cosmetics, and even certain plants, can be harmful if used incorrectly or accessed by children or pets. During National Poison Prevention Week, the Local Health District highlights steps Virginians can take to stay safe.

Tips to Prevent Poisoning

The Norfolk Health District shares simple steps families and caregivers can take to reduce injuries and save lives:

• Keep all medicines in their original containers with labels intact
• Store medicines, chemicals, and household cleaners in locked cabinets or out of children’s reach
• Install and maintain a working carbon monoxide detector
• Follow all label instructions when using cleaning products, pesticides, or chemicals

Fortunately, if a poison emergency happens, help is always available. Just call 800-222-1222.

Poison Help in Virginia

Virginia is served by two poison control centers that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Virginia Poison Center serves central and eastern Virginia. The Blue Ridge Poison Center services northern and western Virginia.

Calls are answered by specially trained registered nurses who can assess the situation and provide first-aid instructions. When needed, callers are referred to the nearest health care facility equipped to manage poison emergencies.

Of the 30,916 cases, the Virginia Poison Center handled in 2025, 78% were unintentional exposures. Children, ages five years old and younger, account for the largest percentage of exposures. Analgesics were the number one substance reported followed by household cleaners, cardiovascular drugs, cosmetic/personal care products, and antihistamines.

When to Call Poison Help

Virginians are urged to call 1‑800‑222‑1222 right away if someone may have:

• Swallowed something harmful
• Gotten a dangerous substance on their skin or in their eyes
• Breathed in a toxic fume or gas
• Overdosed on any substance
• Been bitten or stung by a snake, spider, or other venomous creature

Poison Help is only a phone call away. Calling Poison Help is free and confidential. You do not need to wait for symptoms to appear.

Healthy Choices Can Build a Healthier Community

One in four people are obese 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 VDH 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.

Eating healthier can change your health outcomes. Local Health District has implemented a variety of programs to address nutrition and food security across the state. Local Health District offers programs, such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, to provide access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health services to thousands of Virginians each year.

The Norfolk 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, VDH Norfolk 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 www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthy-communities/healthy-food-environments/ for nutrition resources.