June 27, 2024
Clinic for State-Required Immunizations for Chesterfield County School Students
CHESTERFIELD, Va. — The Chesterfield Health District is easing the burden on parents to get their children’s state-required immunizations by hosting three clinics for Chesterfield County Public School 7th and 12th grade students. Two clinics are scheduled for L.C. Bird High School, at 10301 Courthouse Road in Chesterfield, Monday, July 1 and Thursday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The third clinic is scheduled for Matoaca High School, at 17700 Longhouse Lane in Chesterfield, Thursday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. more>>
June 26, 2024
RHHD Commemorates National HIV Testing Day June 27
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27 by reminding members of the public who think they might be affected by HIV to seek testing and to learn more about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. more>>
June 26, 2024
Central Virginia Health District Advises of Increase in Pertussis Cases among College Aged Students in the Lynchburg Area
LYNCHBURG, Va.– The Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) are informing students, faculty and staff of Liberty University, other colleges in the area, and the surrounding community at large of a recent increase in reported pertussis (commonly referred to as whooping cough). more>>
June 21, 2024
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County
DINWIDDIE, Va. – On June 15, a stray calico cat (brown, orange, and black with white spots) visited a home near Carolyn Drive in Sutherland, VA and scratched a victim. Upon investigation, several neighbors along the rural road have also been identified as being scratched. In addition, it was discovered that the cat also had kittens. The cat has since tested positive for rabies. The Dinwiddie Health Department and Dinwiddie Animal Control continue to encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations, especially rabies, are current. more>>
June 20, 2024
West Piedmont Health District Receives National Award for Model Program
MARTINSVILLE, Va.– The West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) has received recognition from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The local program called “Community Health Workers as Data Collectors Provides Equity in Rural Virginia” was selected as a Model Practice. more>>
June 17, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District to Conduct Rapid Community Assessment
STAUNTON, Va – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD), along with our local healthcare partners, will be conducting a Rapid Community Assessment (RCA) over the next month. more>>
June 17, 2024
Meningitis Vaccine Clinics for Rising High School Seniors Hosted at County Health Departments
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The meningitis vaccine is the only vaccination that is required for students entering their senior year of high school. To make meeting this requirement easier, the Central Virginia Health District will be offering this vaccine for students at each of the county health departments. more>>
June 12, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District Urges Parents to Schedule Back-to-School Vaccinations Before School Begins
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is urging parents of school-aged children to make their back-to-school vaccination appointments before school begins. more>>
June 10, 2024
RHHD and RPS Collaborate to Provide At-School Immunization and Physical Clinics
RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) encourage families to schedule appointments for rising 7th and 12th graders to receive their school-required immunizations and/or physicals. Families can schedule appointments with their primary care provider or attend an at-school immunization and physical clinic provided by RHHD and RPS in June and July. For these at-school clinics, physicals can be scheduled using this link and immunizations are offered on a walk-up basis. more>>
June 10 2024
Crater Health District and Surry County Partners to Host Community Resource Event
SURRY, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Crater Health District (CHD) along with the Surry County Government and Farmers Market have partnered to present Surry Summer Health Camp Day. The community resource fair will be held on Friday, June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Surry Parks and Recreation Center located at 205 Enos Farm Drive, Surry. more>>
June 6, 2024
Virginia Department of Health is Investigating a Cluster of Gastrointestinal Illness
in the Lake Anna area over the Memorial Day weekend
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating a cluster of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses in people who were in the Lake Anna area over the Memorial Day weekend. Some of the ill people have been diagnosed with Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. more>>
May 30, 2024
RHHD Encourages Richmond and Henrico Residents to Complete the 2024 Community Health Assessment Survey
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage residents to complete the 2024 Community Health Assessment. A Community Health Assessment (CHA) is an anonymous survey that can be completed online or on paper that tries to answer big questions: What’s helping our neighborhoods stay healthy and well? Which communities need more resources to solve harder problems? A CHA shows community leaders and officials what health and social issues matter most to community members. more>>
May 30, 2024
Rappahannock Area Health District Awarded National Accreditation
FREDERICKSBURG, Va.– The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) announced today it has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation. Accreditation through PHAB demonstrates RAHD’s commitment to excellence in serving the community and meeting foundational needs. more>>
May 23, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) Announces Walk-In STI Testing Clinics
STAUNTON, Va. — Beginning June 18, the Central Shenandoah Health District will offer Test & Go clinics at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department every third Tuesday of the month and are currently scheduled through to August of 2024. Test & Go clinics offer after-hours walk-in testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) once a month. Individuals can receive free testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV at these clinics. Testing is available to everyone at no cost. Patients can expect to be in and out of the clinic in 15 minutes or less. more>>
May 23, 2024
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Emporia
Emporia, Va. – On May 20, a raccoon entered a domestic dog’s pen on Chambliss Road in Emporia. The dog killed the raccoon. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies. more>>
May 21, 2024
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Sussex County
Sussex, Va. – On May 12, a raccoon was discovered on a property on Longevity Road in Stoney Creek. A domestic dog protected its owners from the raccoon. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies. more>>
May 20, 2024
Crater Health District Convenes Educational Summit on Trauma and Substance Use Disorder
PETERSBURG, Va. – Crater Health District is convening an educational summit, “Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences: Understanding the Intersection of Trauma and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)” at Richard Bland Community College on Wednesday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The goals of the Summit are to destigmatize substance use disorder and increase knowledge related to SUD and the connection to trauma. more>>
May 17, 2024
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a stray kitten, about 8 weeks of age, has tested positive for rabies. The kitten was found in the vicinity of Park Street and Lola Avenue in Altavista. Anyone who may have been exposed to a stray cat or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550. You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov. more>>
May 13, 2024
Petersburg Health Department Closed Until Further Notice
Services Are Being Redirected to Other Health Department Locations
PETERSBURG, Va. – Effective immediately, the Petersburg Health Department will be closed until further notice. During recent roof repair work on the health department building, the Petersburg Health Department discovered a potentially hazardous environmental odor. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of staff and clients, the department has suspended operations until the cause of the odor has been identified and evaluated for potential health hazards. more>>
May 9, 2024
Pittsylvania-Danville Health and Southside Health Districts Conduct Meeting to Recognize and Educate Staff
CHATHAM, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville (PDHD) and Southside (SSHD) Health Districts held an All Staff Meeting on April 19, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham, VA. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Scott Spillmann, director of the two health districts. more>>
May 7, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District Welcomes New Health Director
STAUNTON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) welcomes the new Health Director for the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD), Dr. Allison Baroco. more>>
May 7, 2024
Southside Health District Encourages the Community to Sign Up for Revive Training
CHASE CITY, Va. – May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Fentanyl is an incredibly potent synthetic opioid, increasingly responsible for overdose deaths. Southside Health District is asking for the community’s assistance with the fentanyl crisis. more>>
May 3, 2024
Chesterfield Health District Offers You the Tools to Help End Overdoses
CHESTERFIELD, Va. — Fentanyl-laced street drugs are driving a surge in fatal overdoses. Think this can’t happen to you or someone you love? Talk to Jennifer Jurlando. more>>
May 2, 2024
Chesterfield Health District Says Make Pediatrician Appointments Now for Your Students
CHESTERFIELD, Va. — While most parents are making preparations before school ends, don’t forget about preparations before school begins. Making sure students have required immunizations means safer, healthier communities. Families who have preschool, 6th and 11th grade students should book an appointment for your child’s immunizations now to avoid delays when school starts in August. more>>
April 29, 2024
Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers Continue to be an Asset for Chesterfield Health District
CHESTERFIELD, Va. — When disasters strike, volunteers put themselves last and respond to help wherever they’re needed. At the Virginia Department of Health, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a group of medical and non-medical community members who volunteer their skills, expertise and time to support ongoing public health initiatives and health emergencies. more>>
April 26, 2024
Piedmont Health District Advises of Rabies Detected Among Feral Cat Colony
RANDOLPH, Va. – The Piedmont Health District is advising the public residing or visiting the area near Scuffletown Road and Harrisburg Road to keep themselves and their domestic pets safe as efforts are being taken to corral a group of feral cats where one cat has tested positive for rabies. more>>
April 19, 2024
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Emporia
PETERSBURG, Va. – On April 14, a raccoon was discovered on a property on East Lane Drive in Emporia. A domestic dog was outside when the raccoon was found. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies, and the dog owner has been notified. more>>
April 18, 2024
Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic
DANVILLE, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will be participating in a Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, April 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at O.T. Bonner Middle School, 300 Apollo Ave., Danville. Rising 7th and 12th graders attending Danville City Public Schools are encouraged to attend. more>>
April 16, 2024
Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps to Host 20th Anniversary Celebration
ABINGDON, Va. – The Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (SWVA MCR) will host a 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 27 from 2 – 4 p.m. The event will be held at the K-VA-T Corporate Support Center, 1 Food City Circle in Abingdon. A program highlighting the service of volunteers throughout its 20-year history, including the presentation of service awards, will begin at 3 p.m. All former and current volunteers are invited to attend the event. The anniversary festivities will also serve to commemorate National Volunteer Week held April 21-27. more>>
April 2, 2024
Crater Health Advisory Council Convenes to Address Priority Health Issues Across the Region
PETERSBURG, Va. – Many of the localities within the Crater Health District lack adequate funding and resources and share many of the same health and quality of life challenges. To address these challenges together and better coordinate resources, the Crater Health District established the multi-jurisdiction, cross-sector Crater Health Advisory Council (CHAC) on August 21, 2023. The CHAC is made up of representatives from across the Crater region, including the cities of Emporia, Hopewell, and Petersburg, as well as the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry, and Sussex. more>>
March 21, 2024
Fox Tests Positive for Rabies in Petersburg
PETERSBURG, Va. – On March 17, an orange and white male fox snuck onto a property on Hurt Street in Petersburg and was bitten by the owner’s dog. The fox has since tested positive for rabies. The Petersburg Health Department continues to encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations, especially rabies, are current. more>>
March 18, 2024
In-School Spring Vaccination Clinics for Middle and High Schoolers Hosted by Central Shenandoah Health District
(STAUNTON, Va.) – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders within Staunton City, Augusta County, and Waynesboro City Public School Districts this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are HPV, Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public, and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. more>>
March 18, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District Holding In-School Spring Vaccination Clinics for Middle and High Schoolers
(STAUNTON, Va.) – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders within Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public School Districts this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are HPV, Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. more>>
March 15, 2024
Mount Rogers Health District Announces Bland and Wythe County Community Vaccine Clinics
(MARION, Va.) – The Bland and Wythe County Health Departments, in collaboration with the Wythe-Bland Foundation, announce the return of the adult vaccine clinics. more>>
March 12, 2024
Now Available: Charles City County Community Health Assessment Report
CHARLES CITY, Va. – The Chickahominy Health District and partner agencies are pleased to announce the release of the 2023 Charles City County Community Health Assessment (CHA) report, which can be viewed online at: www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/community-health-assessment. This report details population-level health indicators, identified local strengths, and health priorities for the county. more>>
February 29, 2024
Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Rockbridge County
(LEXINGTON, Va) The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) would like to notify residents in the areas of Vallance Way, Village Way, Spencer Court, and Greenhouse Road in Rockbridge County that a raccoon found in the area has tested positive for the rabies virus. The raccoon no longer poses a threat to the public, but CSHD wants to remind everyone, and especially pet owners, of the risks of rabies. more>>
February 16, 2023
Mount Rogers Health District Launches Community Needs Assessment Survey to Shape Future Initiatives
(MARION, Va.) — The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) is excited to announce the release of its Community Needs Assessment (CHA) Survey. The CHA is a comprehensive initiative aimed at understanding the unique needs and priorities of the community. The community survey is a crucial step towards developing tailored programs and services that address the challenges and goals of the residents served by the health department. more>>
February 14, 2024
Virginia Department of Health Rescinds Shellfish Harvesting Closure Order
(RICHMOND, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that a portion of Cockrell Creek in Northumberland County, previously closed to shellfish harvesting on January 12, 2024, due to a release of untreated sewage impacting water quality in the area, will reopen effective Thursday, February 15, 2024. more>>
February 14, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District Announces New Walk-In STI Testing at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department
(STAUNTON, Va.) — Beginning February 20, the Central Shenandoah Health District will offer Test & Go clinics at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department every third Tuesday of the month. Test & Go clinics offer after-hours walk-in testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) once a month. Individuals can receive free testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV at these clinics. Testing is available to everyone at no cost. Patients can expect to be in and out of the clinic in 15 minutes or less. more>>
February 12, 2023
Mount Rogers Health District Celebrates Progress in 2023 Annual Report
(MARION, Va.) — The Mount Rogers Health District is thrilled to release its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting significant achievements in public health, with a particular emphasis on addressing substance use disorder, community outreach events, and positive outcomes in BabyCare, Family Planning, and WIC programs. more>>
February 5, 2023
Mount Rogers Health District Repeats Recognition Through National “Project Public Health Ready” Program
(MARION, Va.) — The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. The Mount Rogers Health District demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MRHD joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region. more>>
January 30, 2024
Cumberland Plateau Health District Recognized Through the National “Project Public Health Ready” Program
(LEBANON, Va.) – The Cumberland Plateau Health District (CPHD) has once again been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. Cumberland Plateau Health District demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cumberland Plateau Health District joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region. more>>
January 29, 2024
Central Shenandoah Health District Recognized by National “Project Public Health Ready” Association
(STAUNTON, Va.) – Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. CSHD demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CSHD joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region. more>>
January 25, 2024
Rappahannock Area Health District Recognized Through National “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition Program
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. RAHD demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RAHD joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region. more>>
January 22, 2024
West Piedmont Health District Receives “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition
(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) – The West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) is being recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. more>>
January 16, 2023
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES A PORTION OF COCKRELL’S CREEK TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that Cockrell’s Creek in Northumberland County is closed to shellfish harvesting due to a sewage release. Because these waters can be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses, shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure are currently unacceptable for consumption. The temporary emergency closure is effective beginning January 12, 2024. more>>
January 12, 2024
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES PORTIONS OF THE JAMES AND RAPPAHANNOCK RIVERS TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that portions of the James River and Rappahannock River are closed to shellfish harvesting due to significant river flooding. Because floodwaters can be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses, shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure are currently unacceptable for consumption. The temporary emergency closure is set to be effective from January 13, 2024, through January 22, 2024. more>>