Beginning on, or about, April 2, USDA Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits. This will occur in portions of Southwest Virginia. Specifically, the areas of:
Abingdon
Bland
Bristol
Giles
Grayson
Russell
Smyth
Tazewell
Washington
Wythe
If you or a pet find an ORV bait
If your pet finds an ORV bait, do not try to remove the bait from your pet’s mouth. You could be bitten. Eating the baits will not harm your pet. Confine your pet and look for other baits in the area. Remove any bait from areas where your pet could eat them.
Instruct children to leave baits alone. Wear gloves or use a towel when you pick up any bait. Although there is no harm in touching an undamaged bait, they have a strong fishmeal smell. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if there is any chance that the ORV packet has been ruptured.
Call to report a bait exposure
The ORV baits which will be distributed are “coated sachets.” They are a plastic packet of vaccine coated with a sticky, scented substance to attract raccoons. Each packet is marked with a toll-free number. Call 877-722-6725 if you come into contact with a bait and need help or information.
If a person or pet is exposed to the vaccine within the bait, also call the number on the bait and report the bait contact. Again, that number is 877-722-6725.
Please contact USDA for any questions about the USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program. They can be reached at (540) 230-7067. More information about the program can be found on the USDA website.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month is reminding us of a simple concept: To encourage people to make healthy food choices. This year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” During the month of March, the Academy wants us to consider how food connects us in key areas:
Ourselves
Others
Environment
Culture
Taste
Nostalgia
Economic stability
Graphic for National Nutrition Month
Desire for health
The idea behind this year’s theme suggests that we should explore the connections. These connections can help people better understand themselves. Understanding oneself more clearly, leads to better lifestyle choices with food and exercise.
So, how can you begin embracing these connections? Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for resources and ideas. Women, infants, and children living in Virginia may be qualified for the Women, Infants and Children program, (WIC). WIC provides resources to help improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children. The program provides several services:
Nutrition education
Breastfeeding support
Nutritious foods
Counseling
Health and social services referrals
Visit the WIC website to learn more or apply for services.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse wants everyone to have the facts this National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW). NDAFW is observed each year. This year it takes place March 17 to March 23. It focuses on the science of drug use and addiction. The Institute says information based on facts helps to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) does its part by gathering data. Various programs gather information that helps prevent drug overdoses and substance misuse. These data help to inform response, services, and programs to improve health outcomes.
Graphic for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
In 2022, VDH developed a Drug Overdose Needs Assessment Tool. The tool helps identify which communities in Virginia may need extra support. For example, if a community is seeing a high number of overdoses, VDH responds. Local health districts and their partners will develop ways to increase the availability of naloxone in the community. Naloxone is a medication to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Data collected by VDH helps with developing drug overdose prevention programs. Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) programs also reduce the negative impact of using drugs. CHR programs provide:
Poisoning can happen to people of any age at the most unexpected time. A curious child could accidentally eat a poisonous plant. A teen might experiment with substances. Even an older adult might make a medication error. Accidental poisonings can occur in an instant.
During National Poison Prevention Week, March 16–22, it’s important to raise awareness of the risks posed by poisonous substances and the precautions that can be taken to keep families and friends safe. Remember to use the Poison Help hotline 1-800-222-1222 and website PoisonHelp.org. If it’s an emergency and an individual has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can’t be awakened, call 911 immediately.
Graphic for National Poison Prevention Week
Poisoning is the leading cause of injury death in the U.S. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in homes in America each year. More than 70% of people who call the Poison Help hotline get the help they need right where they are. Calling the Poison Help hotline could save a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital. In 2023, the 55 U.S. poison control centers provided telephone guidance for nearly 2.1 million human poison exposures. That’s about:
6.2 poison exposures for every 1,000 people
32.1 poison exposures in children younger than six years for every 1,000 children
One poison exposure reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds
In 2022, in Virginia, 91% of cases occurred in a residence. Three quarter of total cases were a result of an unintentional exposure to a substance. More than 38% of cases were for children five years old or younger.
Virginia has two poison control centers that provide fast, free and confidential help for poison-related questions. Virginia’s poison control centers are located at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. Calling a poison control center is faster and more accurate than an internet search.
Remember these important poison prevention safety tips for the home, safe storage habits, medicine safety and more.
The following items should be stored up, away, and out of sight of children, and in their original containers. Or keep these substances in cabinets secured with child-resistant locks. Keep in mind that no lock or container is 100 percent childproof.
All medicines and pharmaceuticals, including over the counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine.
Alcohol.
Laundry and cleaning supplies.
Pesticides and insect repellents.
Button batteries, such as those found in musical greeting cards, key fobs, toys, etc.
Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.
Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers.
Did you know that many common houseplants can be toxic?
Kids are curious and often put things into their mouths, including plants. Some common poisonous houseplants include poinsettia, pothos, peace lily, philodendron and ZZ plants.
You can prevent poisonings from houseplants by following these simple tips:
Identify any poisonous plants in your home and remove them if possible.
Place remaining poisonous plants up high and out of reach of children.
Teach your children not to eat plants, berries, or mushrooms.
If your child eats a plant, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Poison control centers are available 24/7 for fast, free, confidential, expert advice.
Teens are curious and might experiment with substances or participate in social media challenges. Remember to:
Talk openly about the dangers of substances and social media challenges.
Teach your teen about the Poison Help hotline and encourage them to save the number in their phone: 1-800-222-1222.
Call the Poison Help hotline if you have questions about potential poisons.
If you or your teen have poison-related questions, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This service is always free, fast, confidential and non-judgmental.
Accidents happen. It’s easy to forget if you’ve taken your medication, especially if you’re busy or distracted. Here are some tips to prevent accidental double-dosing:
Set medication reminders on your phone or calendar.
Read labels carefully before taking medication.
Use a pill organizer to help you keep track of your medications.
If you’ve accidentally taken too much medicine, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Learn more poison prevention tips with these helpful resources:
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is responsible for responding to emergencies throughout the Commonwealth that impact public health. They work with state, regional, local, and national partners to prepare for all types of hazards that include:
Severe weather
Bioterrorism
Infectious disease outbreaks
Nuclear and radiological threats
Other disasters
Always Prepared
OEP works with every office in the agency and each local health district to develop emergency plans to outline how the agency can continue to provide essential services during a public health crisis.
Practice. Practice. Practice. OEP staff hosts emergency drills and exercises with regional and local partners to practice how VDH and its partners would respond to an emergency to ensure public health met.
Emergency Preparedness vs. Emergency Response
Being prepared is only part of the job. OEP staff constantly monitor reports and situations across the Commonwealth. They are ready to respond at the first sign of an emergency. In fact, OEP has positioned emergency coordinators in each of the five health regions to ensure that staff can easily mobilize during an emergency.
OEP response activities vary depending on the type of emergency. They coordinate resources, manages logistics and provide situation updates. Staff coordinate water distributions during water emergencies. They provide logistic support during flu shot clinics.
Crucial Partners
Partner agencies are crucial to emergency preparedness and response. OEP works with many partners to maintain the health and safety of the public during an emergency. These include:
Local law enforcement,
Fire department,
Emergency medical services,
Community volunteer organizations,
Local government (city officials),
Other state agencies (i.e. the Virginia Department of Emergency Management), and
Medical Reserve Corps
Communication is Key
OEP emergency coordinators are key to providing situation awareness. They are the boots on the ground during an emergency. They share essential information with leadership for decision making. They share important details with VDH’s communications team for public messaging. They communicate critical needs to VDH partners.
What Can You Do?
Knowledge is power! Learn about what you can do to protect yourself and loved ones during an emergency. Visit the OEP website for resources, disaster support and help, and more.
As spring approaches, the warm weather returns. But it also brings some severe weather. Severe weather poses some risks if you aren’t prepared. This year, use Virginia Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 10-14, to better prepare you and your family for any severe weather that could impact Virginia this spring.
The three steps to be prepared are:
Have a plan. Discuss with your family what to do and where to go if severe weather strikes. You can even make your plan online.
Build an emergency kit. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. For more information about how to build a kit and where to store it, visit ready.gov.
Stay informed. Get a weather radio or use the FEMA app. Make sure you have a way to get reliable, timely alerts. Know what the difference between watch vs. warning.
It’s also important to understand the different types of severe weather that could impact you.
Thunderstorms and Lightning
Thunderstorms might seem routine, but they can escalate quickly. Clear skies can turn dark and ominous bringing strong wind and lightning. Strong winds can blow around tree branches and other loose objects. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm.
Follow these tips to stay safe during thunderstorms and lightning.
Trim trees and pick up loose items before a storm.
Get inside (and bring your pets) at the first sign of thunder or lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!
Stay away from windows once inside.
Do NOT use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment.
Stay out of the shower and away from other plumbing, including washing dishes.
Stay inside 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning.
If you cannot seek shelter indoors:
avoid going near water,
stay away from tall trees, and
do not seek shelter near metal objects such as fences or bleachers.
If a person is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.
Flooding and Flash Flooding
Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater and standing water can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries.
Follow these guidelines to stay safe during flooding:
Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can strike quickly, with little or no warning. They can happen anytime and anywhere. Tornadoes look like funnels and bring intense winds of more than 200 miles per hour. The best way to stay safe during a tornado is to be prepared.
Be alert to changing weather conditions and know where to go to be safe.
If inside:
Shelter in storm shelters and basements.
If no basement, shelter in an interior room or hallway without windows on the lowest possible floor.
Do not remain in a mobile home during a tornado.
Stay inside until you are certain the storm has passed.
If you are outside:
Seek shelter in a sturdy structure immediately.
Drive to the nearest shelter, if safely possible.
If not, find a ditch or low area that is away from trees and other objects that could become projectiles.
Do not seek shelter underneath a bridge or overpass.
Don’t forget to participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 11, at 9:45 a.m.
Remember take action now to ensure your safety during severe weather.
Every year, at least 2.8 million Americans sustain brain injuries. On average, from 2019 to 2023, there were over 5,000 hospitalizations and almost 2,000 deaths among Virginians each year related to traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries affect each person differently.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The Virginia Department of Health is joining others to raise awareness about this condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by a:
Bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or
Penetrating injury.
Other brain injuries are called non-traumatic brain injuries. They cause damage to the brain from issues going on inside of the body, such as
Lack of oxygen to the brain (near drowning, drug overdose)
Exposure to toxins
Certain infectious diseases, or
Other brain and heart conditions, such as stroke, tumors, and aneurysms.
While many people make a full recovery, there are many people in the U.S. living with a permanent brain injury.
The Virginia State Office of Rural Health (VA-SORH) plays a crucial role in partnering with rural communities. The VA-SORH identifies long-term solutions to ensure the health and prosperity of all Virginians.
They fulfill this mission by:
providing technical assistance
offering regulatory updates
providing resources
fostering collaboration within communities throughout the Commonwealth
As part of the Virginia Department of Health, the State Office of Rural Health developed a formal action plan to showcase the resiliency and highlight the assets of the Commonwealth’s rural communities. The Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022-2026 outlines seven priority areas aimed at providing a comprehensive evaluation of the overall health and well-being of Virginia’s rural communities.
These priorities include:
Education
Broadband
Nutrition and Food Security
Healthy Moms and Babies
Access to Health Care Services
Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorder and Recovery
Employment/Workforce Development
Learn more about the health plan by visiting the VA-SORH website.
Stay informed about Virginia rural health issues and important updates by following the VA-SORH Facebook account.
Roanoke residents and staff from the Roanoke City and Allegheny Health Department after a Roanoke Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative meeting.
February is American Heart Month, and as we continue into 2025, it is a good time to consider healthy habits. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. VDH and its partners encourage you to make a few simple changes to your daily routine. Simple health changes can help you reduce the risk of heart disease.
Choose healthy meals and snacks. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet and choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fat. Try heart healthy recipes from the American Heart Association and check out the MyPlate resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Make physical activity a regular part of your day. Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, running, bicycling a week. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) physical activity page.
Take steps to quit smoking by contacting Richmond and Henrico Health District “Free From Tobacco” program on the web or by calling (804) 482-8018. The Virginia Department of Health also offers Quit Now Virginia, which offers free telephone or web-based counseling services, Text2Quit support, self-help materials and referrals to local resources. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia Website.
One program available for the public is the Virginia Healthy Hearts Initiative. This program provides ways to address heart disease in the community. In Roanoke, residents have formed the Roanoke Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative. The collaborative addresses heart health disparities. Organizers elevate the community’s voice by making shared decisions with community members and community health workers. They provide:
Peer support
Screening and referrals
A Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
Start the new year off right and ensure that your home is radon free. January 27-31 is Radon Awareness Week.
Radon is a radioactive gas found naturally in the ground. It can seep into your home through any type of foundation. You cannot see, smell or taste it, but it is dangerous.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The radon risk for current smokers is approximately 10 times that of a never-smoker.
The good news is you can protect your family by testing your home for radon. Most homes show their highest indoor radon levels during the coldest winter weather. So now is a great time to test your home.
The only way to know if a particular home has a radon problem is to test for it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommend testing all homes for radon – especially when purchasing a home. High radon test results have been found in every county in Virginia.
VDH is offering a limited number of do-it-yourself radon test kits for only a $4 shipping fee per kit until April 30 or the available supply is exhausted. Order your test kits today.
Learn more about radon by calling the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).
