Highlights
National First Responders' Day
Governor Spanberger has proclaimed October 28 as National First Responders' Day in Virginia. I want to take a moment to recognize the people who show up when Virginians need help most, and the VDH colleagues who support them. Virginia has 43,689 certified emergency medical service (EMS) providers. They include emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, and more than…Read more
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
This week, from October 25-31, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is raising awareness about childhood exposure to lead and ways to prevent it. About Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning occurs when lead enters the bloodstream and builds up to toxic levels. In 2025, there were 964* cases of childhood lead exposure reported in Virginia. When absorbed into the body, it can result…Read more
Virginia Department of Health Offers Support for Grieving Families
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month Pregnancy and infant loss profoundly impacts individuals and families, and every grief journey is unique and personal. The Virginia Department of Health partners with community agencies to provide vital pregnancy loss support services to grieving parents and families. Some research suggests that as many as 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage (a pregnancy…Read more