Tag: Cumberland Plateau Health District

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Urge the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

January 23, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO; Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Urge the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

WISE, Va. – A significant winter storm is expected to impact our community this weekend. The storm will arrive as snow Saturday afternoon and pick up overnight Saturday into Sunday continuing through the day.   An increase in sleet/freezing rain potential will complicate the forecast. The increased freezing rain probabilities amplify the concern for power outages. The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts urge everyone to prepare now to keep you and your family safe, warm and healthy during this storm.

“We strongly encourage everyone to take the time to prepare for severe winter weather this weekend,” said Reisa Sloce, District Director of Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts.  “It is important to check on your family and friends as well as any elderly community members to make sure they are prepared before the storm and safe during and after. We want you to stay warm, safe and healthy!”

Before the Storm

Before the storm arrives, the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts urge you to take these steps:

  • Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand and keep an emergency kit for your car.
  • Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide
  • Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.
  • Weatherproof your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows.
  • Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts.

During/After the Storm

  • Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water.
  • Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold.
  • Properly ventilate emergency heat sources.
  • Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home.
  • Check on neighbors and family.

If you must go outside, take the following precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

  • Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
  • Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes.
  • Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages.
  • Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.
  • Stay off the roads. If you must travel, check the road conditions and your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

For more information, contact the Cumberland Plateau Health District at 276-889-7621 or the LENOWISCO Health District 276-328-8000.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Receives Grants to Support Rural Health Care Services

September 22, 2025
Media Contact: Victoria Bartfai, victoria.bartfai@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Receives Grants to Support Rural Health Care Services
$2.2 Million Awarded to Benefit Southwest Virginia Mothers and Infants

TAZEWELL, Va. – The Virginia Rural Health Association (VRHA), serving as the backbone organization for the Cumberland Plateau Perinatal Health Network (CPPHN), has been awarded two major grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to strengthen maternal and infant health services across Southwest Virginia. The following grants were awarded to the Virginia Rural Health Association to support the expanding efforts of the Cumberland Plateau Perinatal Health Network:

  • HRSA Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program – $300,000 per year for four years, awarded specifically to the Cumberland Plateau Health District (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties). This funding will support expanded prenatal and postpartum care, workforce investments, and innovative outreach programs designed to improve access and outcomes for mothers and babies in rural communities.
  • Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) – $1,000,000 for the first award year (renewable for up to four years), awarded to serve the broader Southwest Virginia region, including the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. The Network will coordinate this effort to expand perinatal services, train and deploy community health workers and doulas, integrate telehealth systems, and strengthen coordination among healthcare providers.

“It is such an honor to be selected as an RMOMS grantee,” said Beth O’Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association. “Our tiniest Virginians deserve to have every opportunity for a healthy life.”

“We are honored to have received these two grants that will provide mothers and children with the vital resources needed to benefit their overall health and well-being.” said Victoria Bartfai, Maternal and Child Health Coordinator for the Cumberland Plateau Health District.

Both awards will be used to address the on-going health disparities throughout the region, including high rates of substance use during pregnancy, geographic isolation, and limited access to maternity care. Through these investments, the Cumberland Plateau Perinatal Health Network will help fill existing gaps, strengthen partnerships, and lay the foundation for long-term improvements in maternal and perinatal health.

This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of the Cumberland Plateau Title V team, Virginia Department of Health’s Central Office Title V team, the Institute for Public Health Innovation, and VRHA.

To view the data on maternal and child health outcomes, visit the Virginia maternal and child health overview dashboard at https://dashboards.mysidewalk.com/vdh-mch-dashboard/impact-of-maternal-and-child-health

Cumberland Plateau Health District Reports Rabies Confirmed in Bat

August 6, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsuker, Daniel.Hunsuker@vdh.viirginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Reports Rabies Confirmed in Bat
Residents should report any possible human or animal contact
with any suspected rabid animal

BISHOP, Va. – The Tazewell County Health Department reports a bat from the Bishop area in Tazewell County tested positive for rabies on August 4. There was a known exposure, and the patient is undergoing preventive rabies vaccination treatment. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Tazewell County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

Reports of potential exposures to bats have been increasing and the health department wants to remind residents of the importance to report any exposure to a bat or other potential rabid animal to the local health department.

If you, a member of your household, or your pets are bitten by or possibly exposed to a bat or other potential rabid animal — including saliva that gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or wounds, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately.

Bats have small teeth that may leave marks not easily seen. Although many people know if they have been bitten by a bat, there are certain circumstances when a person might not be aware or able to tell if they have been bitten. Be aware if a bat is discovered anywhere within a home, especially if it is found in a room with an unattended child or near a person with a disability. In these circumstances, a person should seek medical attention and have the bat tested for rabies.

The Tazewell County Health Department also reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Do not feed stray animals.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. If you see a wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
  • Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids

Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. For more information, contact the Tazewell County Health Department at (276) 988-5585 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/

Cumberland Plateau Health District Wants to Make Sure Your Child is Ready for School

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Michelle McPheron, michelle.mcpheron@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Wants to Make Sure
Your Child is Ready for School
 Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Health Departments
Holding Vaccination Clinics

LEBANON, VA. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others. Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell health departments are making it easy to get these required immunizations at a clinic held this month. School and sports physicals appointments are also available.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.

“Vaccines are an important tool for keeping our children and communities healthy. School required vaccines are available at all our local health departments. Adolescent school required vaccines for rising 7th graders and rising 12th graders will also be available at the Dickenson County Back to School Bash on August 1,” said Reisa Sloce, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts director.

Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including three cases in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations. Vaccines are available through your pediatrician, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell health departments offer school-required immunizations free of charge by appointment during regular clinic hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here. If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card. Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program which offers free vaccines to eligible children.

For more information, please contact your local health department: Buchanan County: 276-935-4591, Dickenson County: 276-926-4979, Russell County: 276-889-7621, or Tazewell County: 276-988-5585.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Shares Important Vaccination Information for Those Impacted by the Recent Floods

July 22, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Shares Important Vaccination Information for Those Impacted by the Recent Floods

LEBANON, Va. — The Cumberland Plateau Health District is giving free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. Vaccines will be given at the Dante Community Center on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m.

The health department reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures.  Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

  • It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination
  • You have a puncture wound and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination
  • You have a wound that has come in contact with floodwater, and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.

If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your primary care provider or your local health department.

For more information about tetanus, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/tetanus-lockjaw/

 

 

 

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Share Ways to Beat the Summer Heat and Stay Healthy

June 24, 2025
Media Contact: Michelle McPheron, Nurse Manager, michelle.mcpheron@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Share
Ways to Beat the Summer Heat and Stay Healthy

WISE, Va. — Last summer, Virginia saw more than 3,200 heat-related visits to emergency departments (EDs) and urgent cares according to the surveillance dashboard. “Summer is all about fun in the sun, but as temperatures rise, you should take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” says Reisa Sloce, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health District’s Director.

When temperatures climb into the 90s and 100s, make sure you follow these tips to stay healthy:

  • Keep cool. Whenever possible, stay in the air conditioning.  Check with your local government for cooling centers or visit indoor locations like libraries or malls.
  • Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Drink water and plenty of it. Avoid drinks high in sugar, sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Wear sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply every two hours.
  • Eat light meals. Avoid hot, heavy meals. They add heat to the body. Avoid using the stove or oven to cook. It will make you and the house hotter.
  • Dress light. Wear loose, light-colored, and lightweight clothing.
  • Limit time outside. Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Stay in the shade when you can.
  • Protect others. Never leave children or pets in cars. Get in the habit of always checking your back seat to make sure no child or pet is left behind.
  • Stay informed. Pay attention to the forecast. Understand heat advisories.
  • Make sure you check on your neighbors. Keep an eye on vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers, elderly adults, infants and children, individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women, athletes.
  • Know the Symptoms. Pay attention to your body to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. Cool down with a shower or a bath. Seek medical care immediately if symptoms worsen.
  • Call 911 immediately if an individual loses consciousness, has a fast, strong pulse, has hot, red skin, and/or has a temperature of 103 degrees or higher.

Check out the Heat Risk Forecast for heat risk and keep these tips in mind for a safe, cool summer. Remember your local health department is a great resource for summer safety.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Offers Community Opioid Overdose Prevention Training

April 14, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District
Offers Community Opioid Overdose Prevention Training

LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District is advising the public that substances laced with fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives have been reported in the area. These substances can be potentially fatal to people who use them.

To help community members prevent fatal opioid overdoses, Cumberland Plateau Health District in partnership with Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board, and the Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition (ASAC) will host several local events to distribute free naloxone. Naloxone (also known as Narcan®,) is a fast-acting, safe and easy-to-administer nasal spray that can restore breathing and reduce potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses. Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. A family member, bystander, first responder, or medical provider can administer naloxone to save lives. As a reminder, if you come across someone who has overdosed, you should call 911.

“Opioid overdoses are increasing throughout the country as well as in our own region and we want to help keep our communities safe. A person who has overdosed is unresponsive and unable to self-administer an antidote,” said Daniel Hunsucker, population health coordinator, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “These events give family members, friends and community members the training and tools to recognize and respond to an overdose to help save lives.”

Free naloxone training and distribution events are open to the public and are available on a walk-in basis. No pre-registration is required. Individuals who attend will learn how to use naloxone and will receive a free box containing two doses. Cumberland Plateau Health District does not ask for identification when distributing naloxone.

Naloxone Training Schedule:

  • Tuesday, April 14
    • Roger Jessee Food Bank, Castlewood; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15
    • Rescue/Community Center Parking Lot Dante Rescue; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 19
    • Mendota Health Fair, Mendota; 9 a.m.

“Many families have been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic,” said Daniel Hunsucker. “Getting trained and carrying naloxone is a great way for communities to get involved. Everyone is encouraged to get trained at these events and take advantage of the no-cost naloxone while it is available.”

For more information about opioids, visit www.CDC.gov/opioids. For more information about how to get free Narcan®, 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

Cumberland Plateau Health District Issues Recreational Water Advisory

March 20, 2025

For questions about the health advisory, contact:
Brian Stanley, Environmental Health Manager, Sr., Cumberland Plateau Health District
276-415-3370, brian.stanley@vdh.virginia.gov

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

Cumberland Plateau Health District Issues Recreational Water Advisory

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

This health advisory extends along the Levisa River from 0.5-miles east of Anchorage Shopping Center along U.S. HWY 460 to the Kentucky state line and portions of Slate Creek from the Buchanan County Department of Social Services on Route 83 downstream to the Levisa River in Buchanan County. The length of the affected waterways in Virginia is approximately 24 miles. For concerns in Kentucky, please contact the Pike County Health Department at 606-437-5500.

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 and Slate Creek 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.

March 20, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Offers In-School Vaccination Clinics

LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information since insurance will be billed. Parents must complete and submit to the school a signed consent form for their children to receive any vaccines at these clinics. Signed consent forms should be turned in to the children’s school prior to the clinic date. Without a signed consent form, children cannot receive any vaccinations.

“In-school vaccine clinics are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year without having to take time away from your summer fun.” said Reisa Sloce, Director of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Vaccines offer effective protection for everyone in the community from serious illnesses such as polio, measles, whooping cough, influenza, meningitis, chickenpox and pneumonia.  School vaccines are crucial for protecting children from serious diseases, preventing outbreaks in schools, as well as ensuring a healthier and safer learning environment for everyone”.

Pre-registration is required for those students needing vaccines. Please visit the following website to register your child: https://redcap.link/cpspring25

Location and dates of these in-school vaccine clinics include:

  • Tazewell County
    • April 1: Graham High & Graham Middle
    • April 2: Tazewell High & Tazewell Middle
    • April 4: Richlands High & Richlands Middle
  • Dickenson County:
    • April 10: Ridgeview High & Ridgeview Middle
  • Russell County:
    • April 14: Honaker High & Honaker Elementary
    • April 15: Castlewood High & Castlewood Elementary
    • April 16: Lebanon High, Russell Vocational School & Lebanon Middle
  • Buchanan County
    • April 21: Twin Valley High, Hurley High, & Hurley Middle
    • April 22: Council High, Council Middle, & Twin Valley Middle
    • April 24: Riverview & Grundy High

School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. For more information or to make an appointment, contact your local health department:

Buchanan: 276-935-4591
Dickenson: 276-926-4979
Russell: 276-889-7621
Tazewell: 276-988-5585

To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the Virginia vaccination schedule here: VIRGINIA VACCINATION SCHEDULE

 

Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood

February 21, 2025

Environmental Health Contacts:
Brian Stanley, Cumberland Plateau Health District, 276-415-3370
Brad Stallard, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-328-1933

Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood
Any Wells Submerged Due to Flooding are at Risk

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering free test kits for individuals who have residential private drinking water wells impacted by the recent flooding in Southwest Virginia. Any well submerged during the recent flooding event is likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.

The free private well test kits are available to residents in the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed. VDH recommends having a well driller assist with this process. For those choosing to disinfect the well themselves, all safety precautions and instructions should be followed using these instructions.

Once well users disinfect and flush their well, a free test kit can be requested by calling one of the following health departments:

  • Buchanan County Health Department – 276-935-4591
  • Dickenson County Health Department – 276-926-4979
  • Lee County Health Department – 276-346-2011
  • Russell County Health Department – 276-889-7621
  • Scott County Health Department – 276-386-1312
  • Tazewell County Health Department – 276-988-5585
  • Wise County Health Department – 276-328-8000

Well water impacted by flooding can have germs that lead to gastrointestinal illness. The kits will include the tools necessary to collect samples for testing for total coliform and E. coli. Test results will only indicate if the well is contaminated.

Tests must be returned Monday through Thursday to the nearest local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau or LENOWISCO health districts. Samples should be delivered to one of the available locations by 4 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.

For those who have tested their well and need assistance in understanding the test results, visit Well Informed Virginia. For more information about specific concerns regarding private wells contact your local health department or a licensed well driller.