November 25 is Public Health Thank You Day. Celebrated on the Monday before Thanksgiving, public health organizations take this time to recognize the people and organizations who work tirelessly to protect the health of all communities.
- Public health is protecting health. Public health is preventing disease. Public health is improving our quality of life. This year’s theme, “Public health is a lifesaver, today and everyday.“ calls attention to the countless ways public health professionals work on a daily basis to promote and protect health and shines a light on their dedication to serving communities across the country.
Respiratory Virus Guidance
This flyer from VDH shares the message, "Protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses." It details core prevention measures, additional prevention measures, what to do if you're sick, and how to get treatment.
Download and print: English Spanish
Long COVID Survey
VDH is conducting a study about how Long COVID is impacting communities in Southwest Virginia. You can help WPHD by participating! To learn more, click on the flier and scan the QR code or visit https://redcap.link/virginialongcovidstudy.
Walk-In Flu Clinics at Henry-Martinsville HD.
Schedule in English Schedule in Spanish
Appointments for Flu Shots may be made at the Franklin County HD (540-484-0292) and Patrick County HD (276 -693-2070) by calling.
Need Info & Updates on . . . ?
Mpox Respiratory Viruses Overdose Prevention
Get to Know WPHD
Putting Her Talents to Work - Chris Niblett Serves Nine Health Districts
You can be forgiven if you didn’t know that Christina Niblett is part of the WPHD team. That’s because she is also part of the team at no less than eight other health districts – in fact every district between Danville and the Tennessee border! (That would be Pittsylvania-Danville, Central Virginia, Roanoke City, Alleghany, West Piedmont, New River, Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco – nine total.)
As Human Resource Business Partner - Western Region, Chris . . . Read more.
A Mighty Voice for the Hispanic Community –
“It’s in my heart.”
Since coming to the United States from her home in Puerto Rico in 2002, Maite (pronounced “Mighty”) Arroyo-Torres has used her voice to help others find their place in our local communities. Currently serving as a Certified Medical Interpreter for the West Piedmont Health District, Arroyo-Torres’s primary goal is to help the Hispanic community. “Sometimes they come here, and they have nobody to help them,” she said.
It can be a big job. . . Read more. Read Maite's story in Spanish.
West Piedmont Receives National Award
for Model Practice
West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) is among 14 local health departments across the nation, and the only one in Virginia, to be recognized for a Model Practice, by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). Model Practices are programs demonstrating exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a critical local public health need. WPHD’s initiative, Community Health Workers as Data Collectors Provides Equity in Rural Virginia, garnered the award during the NACCHO annual conference in Detroit on July 25. Read more.
Steve Bailey Earns BEACON Award
Steve Bailey has received the VDH 1st Quarter BEACON award winner (Jan – Mar 2024). BEACON award winners are VDH public health nurses recognized for Breaking Barriers, Empathy, Art of Caring, Community Advocacy, Original Ideas, and Never Ending Diligence.
Verna Burnette, Nurse Manager, Sr. nominated Steve for the award based on his emphatic nature with both patients and staff, and his dedication and commitment to the job. The nomination is forwarded to the state Director of Nursing, and a Beacon Award Committee selects quarterly winners.
Millner Earns CHW certification credential
Karen Millner recently earned a certified community health worker credential. She serves Martinsville, Henry Couty and Franklin County through United Way of Henry County/Martinsville, where she began working in 2021, during the height of the COVID pandemic.
“I was drawn to this role because I truly wanted to make a difference and assist with getting the community vaccinated during that time. Now that we have pivoted the pandemic, I get to continue helping those who need other services and resources. I absolutely love what I do at the United Way,” she said. Millner is a native of Martinsville and holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health.
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact your local health department
After Hours: (877) ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343)
For medical assistance, contact your primary care provider or your nearest urgent care facility.
