News Update
🗣If you observe any of the following wild bird occurrences, please notify DWR by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.
- Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
- Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding carcasses found on the road
- Ten or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same area within five days
🗣If domestic poultry (such as backyard flocks) or other farm birds exhibit signs of avian influenza (ranging from sneezing, coughing and ruffled feathers to sudden and high numbers of bird losses), bird owners should consult their local veterinary professional and notify state or federal animal health officials.
🗣Virginia backyard flocks or commercial poultry owners should report unusual poultry illnesses or deaths to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 804.692.0601 or at vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov or call the USDA’s toll-free at 866.536.7593.
🗣If you have domestic birds or dairy cattle that appear ill, unexpected death or signs of avian influenza, please consider wearing personal protective equipment when in close proximity or handling sick or dead birds. This would include gloves, N95 respirator mask, and eye protection, like goggles.
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COVID-19 and Flu A/B rapid at-home test kits are available in all offices of the West Piedmont Health District. If you have signs or symptoms of respiratory illness and need a kit, please call the local health department when you arrive, and someone will bring a test kit (s) to your vehicle.
Franklin County: (540) 484-0292 Henry/ Martinsville: (276) 638-2311 Patrick County : (276) 693-2070
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By preparing ahead of time you can avoid emergencies, protect your health and keep your loved ones safe. Follow these tips to be better prepared for the cold weather season.
Have an emergency kit with supplies such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, and water.
Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies.
Use space heaters safely. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.
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Food Safety | Food Safety | CDC
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Holiday baking involves using several raw ingredients like eggs and flour. By following these tips from Local Health District, you can protect loved ones from foodborne illness while creating delicious memories.
- Use Fresh Ingredients. Check the expiration dates on your baking supplies, especially if they have been in the pantry since last year. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Wash Your Hands. Wash your hands before preparing to bake and after handling any raw ingredients. Remember to wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
- Skip Licking the Spoon. As tempting as it may be to sample your work in progress, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against . Batter and dough contain raw ingredients like eggs and flour, which can cause foodborne illness.
- Clean as You Go. Wash bowls, utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water before and after preparing each food item. Not only does it keep your work area clean, but washing any surface that comes in contact with raw ingredients prevents cross contamination.
- Bake thoroughly: Follow recipe instructions to ensure baked goods reach safe internal temperatures.
- Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate perishable baked goods, such as those containing fresh dairy, cream cheese, whipped cream, or fresh fruit within two hours.
Little helpers make baking more fun. Keep an eye on children around hot ovens, sharp tools, and raw ingredients to ensure safety.
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We All Have a Role to Play in Making Suicide as Preventable as Possible.
It’s a time to raise awareness, remember those we've lost, and strengthen our connections. The West Piedmont Health District invites you to join us by sharing resources that can save lives. Together, we can help prevent suicide.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Virginia. In 2023, 1,234 Virginians lost their lives to suicide.
Here are some ways to get involved during Suicide Prevention Month: · Get familiar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. · Link up with a local American Suicide Prevention Foundation Chapter. · Take part in an Out of the Darkness Walk or start one. · Volunteer with the Virginia National Alliance on Mental Illness. · Connect your college or K-12 school to the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia. · Join the Suicide Prevention Interagency Advisory Group. · Ask your provider or hospital system to connect with the Virginia Zero Suicide Hub.
· Promote dignity through connection. When people feel respected, heard, and valued, they are more likely to seek help. Take the free Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training to learn about limiting access to guns, medications, and other items that could cause harm. You can also access free, custom guidelines and resources from Lock & Talk Virginia. For more on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, reach out to the VDH Suicide Systems Project.
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Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline
West Piedmont Encourages Community to Call it Quits.
–Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the nation, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Tobacco Control Program.
More people, both men and women, in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of all cases.
Several resources to help guide you or a loved one in quitting:
• Ways to Quit Smoking
• How to Help People Quit
• Medications to Help Quit Tobacco and Nicotine
• Tobacco and Stress
• E-cigarettes
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Injuries from toys, holiday decorating, and cooking, along with seasonal viruses, send children to the emergency room in greater numbers during the holiday season.
Families are encouraged to take these simple precautions to help keep celebrations safe and healthy.
Toys
- Prevent choking hazards. Keep small toys, button batteries, magnets and small parts away from young children.
- Choose age-appropriate gifts. Follow age labels on toys and avoid items with small pieces for children under 3.
- Make sure toys haven’t been recalled. Check Recalls & Product Safety Warnings.
- Avoid storing toys in chests with heavy lids where children can become trapped inside.
Holiday Decorating
- Avoid falls. Keep children off ladders and step stools.
- Keep breakable decorations, ornaments, lightbulbs and tinsel out of children’s reach.
- Be aware that some holiday plants are toxic to both humans and pets.
Holiday Cooking & Entertaining
- Always supervise children in the kitchen.
- To avoid burns, cook on back burners and turn pot handles inward.
- Keep sharp knives and blades out of reach.
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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STATEMENT ON COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE
In Virginia, pharmacists may administer vaccines in two ways: either under the direct authorization of a medical provider or by following the Virginia Board of Pharmacy's statewide pharmacy protocols These statewide pharmacy protocols permit pharmacists to administer vaccines in accordance with the CDC Immunization Schedule Currently, the CDC schedule references the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine formulation, but it does not yet include the 2025–2026 formulation, which is anticipated to match better the strains expected to circulate this season.
In Virginia, pharmacists may administer vaccines to patients aged 18 and older in two ways: either under the direct authorization of a medical provider or by following the Virginia Board of Pharmacy's statewide pharmacy protocols To administer an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine to youth ages 3 through 17, pharmacists must comply with the Federal PREP Act Both the Federal PREP Act and the statewide protocols require pharmacists to administer vaccines in accordance with the CDC Immunization Schedule Currently, the CDC schedule references the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine formulation, but it does not yet include the 2025–2026 formulation, which is anticipated to match better the strains expected to circulate this season.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18-19, 2025. VDH anticipates that ACIP will vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines at this meeting. If approved by the CDC, pharmacists will be able to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
VDH understands that manufacturers recently began shipping the 2025-2026 formulation to providers and pharmacies. Individuals who received the 2024-2025 COVID-19 formulation should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if and when they should receive the 2025-2026 formulation. VDH is actively collaborating with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy on this issue.
At this time, Virginians can contact their healthcare provider to ask about receiving the COVID vaccine or to request a prescription for administration at their pharmacy.
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact your local health department
After Hours: (877) ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343)
A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Public Health: WPHD Annual Report Now Online
The West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) is proud to share its West Piedmont Health District Annual Report, a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the communities we serve—Martinsville City and the counties of Henry, Franklin, and Patrick.
This year’s report highlights the challenges we’ve faced, the progress we’ve made, and the partnerships that continue to drive our mission forward. From expanding access to mental health services and responding to respiratory virus outbreaks, to tackling the opioid crisis and promoting emergency preparedness, our work has been shaped by resilience, innovation, and community collaboration.
211 Virginia is a free, confidential, and accessible service that connects people with information on available community services throughout the Commonwealth. Whether you need assistance with housing, food, healthcare, or other services, 211 Virginia is here to help.
For medical assistance, contact your primary care provider or your nearest urgent care facility.
