Tag: Cumberland Plateau Health District

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

Posted on by lindascarborough

August 6, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Stanley, Environmental Health Manager, 276-415-3370

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

BUCHANAN Co., Va. – A bat collected August 2, from the Lovers Gap Road area of the Vansant community in Buchanan County tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

A resident observed that their cat and its kittens had caught 2 juvenile bats on August 1 and notified the local health department with concerns of a potential rabies exposure to the animals. The health department submitted the specimens for testing which one of the bats tested positive for rabies. The health department wants to remind residents to report any human or domestic animal exposure to a bat or other suspected rabid animal to their local health department or animal control office for investigation to assure individuals and domestic animals are protected.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal. Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.

The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take these steps to protect family members and pets from rabies:

  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
  • If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
  • Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
  • Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
  • Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
  • If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
  • Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf

For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or call the Buchanan County Health Department at 276-935-4591.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Recognized Through the National “Project Public Health Ready” Program

January 30, 2024
Media Contact: Delilah T. McFadden, Emergency Coordinator
delilah.long@vdh.virginia.gov

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.

“This honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication and cooperation on the part of our team, especially Delilah McFadden, our District Emergency Coordinator,” said Reisa Sloce, CPHD District Director. “Whether we are facing severe weather, a pandemic, or other emergency situations, we recognize the importance of being ready to respond and protect the health of our community.”  PPHR recognition confirms that CPHD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices.

PPHR recognition also requires health departments to collaborate with their state, local, and community partners to develop plans that account for all the constituents in their jurisdictions. CPHD regularly partners with emergency managers, schools, Department of Social Services, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Faith-based organizations, hospitals, and other agencies in the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell to meet this requirement. CPHD’s capacity to carry out these activities is augmented through the support of the Medical Reserve Corps volunteer force. The health district currently has 103 registered volunteers.

“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments play an essential role in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters.” said Lori T. Freeman, Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends Cumberland Plateau Health District for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”

NACCHO, the voice of the nearly 3,000 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.

For more information about the Cumberland Plateau Health District, visit  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau

For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.

 

https://vdhweb.vdh.virginia.gov/?page_id=39206&preview=true

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Welcome New Health Director

July 17, 2023

Media Contact:
Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov, (276) 415-3360

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Welcome New Health Director

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is pleased to announce Reisa Sloce as the new health director for the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. With more than 24 years of experience dedicated to public health, Reisa most recently served as the chief operating officer for both health districts. She began her career with the LENOWISCO Health District as an office services supervisor and later became business manager.

Prior to joining VDH, Reisa was chief operating officer for St. Mary’s Medical Management where she managed multiple physician practices. Before entering the healthcare field, she spent 14 years as an elementary school educator.

Reisa holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Radford University. In addition, she is a graduate of the University of North Carolina’s Management Academy of Public Health Program.

As a native of southwest Virginia, Reisa has been active with various area organizations where she served as president of the Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce as well as assuming the role of president for the Wise Business Association. While she remains involved in both organizations, she is also a member of several boards including Wise County Christian School and the Foundation of SWVA Association of Philippine Physicians.

July 6, 2023

Media Contact: Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offering Back to School Vaccination Clinics

 WISE, VA – During July and August, the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts will be offering school required vaccinations at each health department throughout both districts. This is a great opportunity for parents to get their child on track for their 7th and 12th grade school required vaccines.

School Required Immunizations:

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Tdap)- a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine – All children are required to have a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering the 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering the 12th grade.
  • *Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine –A complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade

*after reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child to not receive the HPV vaccine

Appointments are required for all clinics. Due to limited spots, parents are urged to call ASAP to schedule a slot for their child. Upon arrival, please be able to provide proof of insurance and the child’s vaccine record.

School Vaccination Clinic locations and dates:

LENOWISCO Health District:

July 19, 24, 26, and 31: Wise County Health Department

August 1, 2, and 8: Lee County Health Department

August 7, 10, and 14: Scott County Health Department

Cumberland Plateau Health District:

August 7, 8, and 10: Buchanan County Health Department

August 1, 3, and 8: Dickenson County Health Department

August 7, 9, and 14: Russell County Health Department

August 10, 15, and 16: Tazewell County Health Department

Cumberland Plateau Health District Lifts Recreational Water Advisory Impacting Portion of Levisa River

April 10, 2023

For questions about the health advisory:
Allison Phillips, Population Health Manager, Cumberland Plateau Health District, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov

For questions about the sewer main repairs:
Buchanan County Public Service Authority
(276) 935-5828

Cumberland Plateau Health District Lifts Recreational Water Advisory Impacting Portion of Levisa River

LEBANON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health and Cumberland Plateau Health District has lifted the Recreational Water Advisory for a portion of the Levisa River in Buchanan County. Earlier this year, flooding caused sewage overflows which resulted in repairs being needed to the sewer mains. As a result of the elevated bacteria levels from the sewage overflow, a Recreational Water Advisory was put into effect along the Levisa River from Oakwood downstream to the Kentucky state line in Buchanan County.

Repairs are complete and downstream sampling of the Levisa River indicates bacterial levels are now below levels requiring the advisory. For more information on recreational water safety, call 276-935-4591 or see “Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters” at www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

VDH Issues Recreational Water Advisory in Portion of Levisa River

February 28, 2023

Media Contact: Allison Phillips, Population Health Manager, Cumberland Plateau Health District, VDH allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov

 

VDH Issues Recreational Water Advisory in Portion of Levisa River 

(LEBANON, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District recommends that people and pets avoid contact with a portion of the Levisa River in Buchanan County due to an ongoing sewage overflow from sewer mains damaged by recent flooding. Activities to repair the sewer mains are ongoing, weather permitting.

The health advisory extends along the Levisa River from Oakwood downstream to the Kentucky state line in Buchanan County. The length of the affected waterway is approximately 26 miles.

Swallowing contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. Contact with contaminated water also can cause infections of the ears, nose, throat and skin.  For your safety, humans and pets should avoid contact with the affected portions of the Levisa River until the sewer mains have been repaired and the advisory is lifted.

To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to sewage release events, people should:

  • Avoid contact with the waterbodies noted above and observe advisory signage posted at waterbody access points.
  • Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
  • Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.
  • Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.

For more information on recreational water safety, call 276-935-4591 or see “Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters” at www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Urge Residents to Get Flu Vaccine

September 15, 2022

Media Contact:
Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov, (276)-415-3360

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Urge Residents to Get Flu Vaccine

WISE, Va. – In anticipation of the 2022-2023 flu season, the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts urge residents to get their annual influenza (flu) vaccination to reduce the chance of getting the flu and spreading it to others. Each year, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized from complications of the flu, and about 36,000 die as a result.

It is recommended everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot. All local health departments within the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau health districts are accepting appointments and also those who choose to walk in for the vaccine.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway, it’s more important than ever that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses,” said Melissa Freeman, Immunization Action Program Coordinator for LENOWISCO Health District.

“With cases of flu already starting to appear within our area, now is the time to get the vaccine. Taking this preventative step will aid in the reduction of hospitalizations from the flu. This is especially important with the strain that has been placed on our local healthcare systems since the arrival of COVID-19,” stated Freeman.

If you are unsure if you can be vaccinated, talk with your doctor to discuss your personal health risks and concerns. There are many vaccine options to choose from; the most important thing is to get a flu vaccine each year, and to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

Flu season generally peaks in December and January and it is important to be vaccinated before the flu begins to spread. Since it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccination to provide protection, the CDC recommends getting your flu shot before the end of October. Children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses four weeks apart, so the first should be given in September to allow time for the second dose before the end of October.

These simple steps can help stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick:
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Stay home when you are sick, which will help prevent others from catching your illness.
● Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
● Clean your hands often.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

In addition to the local health departments, the flu vaccine may also be offered through private health care providers, free clinics, and pharmacies. For those 6 months and older, the injectable vaccine will protect against four strains of the flu virus. A separate vaccine is recommended for those aged 65 and older to give older people a better immune response resulting in better protection against the flu. Individuals who do not have health insurance may receive reduced cost or free flu vaccine with proof of income.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call your local health department.

Cumberland Plateau Health District:
● Buchanan County – 276-935-4591
● Dickenson County – 276-926-4979
● Russell County – 276-889-7621
● Tazewell County – 276-988-5585

LENOWISCO Health District:
● Lee County – 276-346-2011
● Scott County – 276-386-1312
● Wise County/Norton City – 276-328-8000

For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offering Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccines

September 9, 2022

Media Contact:
Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov, (276)-415-3360

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offering Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccines

 WISE, Va. – The Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts now offer free Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccinations. While the initial vaccines (monovalent) targeted the original strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, these updated boosters are targeted specifically at the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the Omicron variant.

Any person aged 12 years and older are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech updated bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since completing the primary vaccination series or receiving the most recent booster with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.

Those who are 18 years and older are eligible for the Moderna updated bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since completing the primary vaccination series or receiving the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.

These updated boosters are now available at all health departments within both districts. If you are interested in receiving a bivalent booster vaccine, please call your local health department to schedule an appointment.

LENOWISCO Health District:

Lee County Health Department – 276-346-2011

Scott County Health Department – 276-386-1312

Wise County & City of Norton Health Department – 276-328-8000


Cumberland Plateau Health District:

Buchanan County Health Department – 276-935-4591

Dickenson County Health Department – 276-926-4979

Russell County Health Department – 276-889-7621

Tazewell County Health Department – 276-988-5585

Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts encourage all Virginians to get their vaccination if they haven’t already done so. For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offering Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

August 19, 2022

Media Contact:
Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov, (276)-415-3360

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts  Offering Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine 

WISE, Va. – The Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts will now offer a fourth vaccine choice for individuals in the community who are seeking a COVID-19 vaccine. On July 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the administration of the two-dose Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for the primary series for adults aged 18 years and older. 

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine gives individuals who may have an allergic reaction to mRNA vaccines or have a personal preference for receiving a vaccine other than one based on the mRNA technology, a new option for vaccination. 

“This new COVID-19 vaccination option is another important tool we are able to offer in our quest to combat this virus”, said Allie Phillips, population health manager, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “This addition expands the options for adults to receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. It is especially important for those individuals who may have previously been reluctant to get vaccinated against this potentially deadly virus. As we continue to see cases rise throughout our communities, vaccination is critical to help protect against the complications of severe COVID-19.”

Beginning August 22, this vaccine will be available at all health departments within both districts. If you are interested in receiving Novavax, please call your local health department to schedule an appointment. 

LENOWISCO Health District:

Lee County Health Department – 276-346-2011

Scott County Health Department – 276-386-1312

Wise County & City of Norton Health Department – 276-328-8000

 

Cumberland Plateau Health District:

Buchanan County Health Department – 276-935-4591

Dickenson County Health Department – 276-926-4979

Russell County Health Department – 276-889-7621

Tazewell County Health Department – 276-988-5585

Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts encourage all Virginians to get their vaccination if they haven’t already done so. For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.