Community Updates

Shield - Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts logo

Community Updates

Shield - Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts logo

Community Updates


Father and daughter inspecting carrots at grocery store

The Power of WIC

RCAHD Community Health Update A Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts publication While public health may be best known for its response to emerging threats to the community’s health during a weather emergency or disease outbreaks, most of the time, our staff is focused on preventing people from getting sick in the first place. The...Continue reading

elderly man being given food by nurse

What can we do to protect health where health begins?

RCAHD Community Health Update A Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts publication In a recent Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) newsletter survey about non-COVID health issues, readers ranked “chronic disease” the third highest concern, after mental health and substance abuse. Chronic diseases are health conditions that are persistent or long-lasting in their duration...Continue reading

Two Black friends apply sunscreen, acting silly having fun, laughing at pool. High quality photo

Maximizing Summer Fun

RCAHD Community Health Update A Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts publication Our beautiful Southwestern Virginia summers offer a great opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family. Enjoy the season even more by taking a few precautions against preventable diseases and risks: Food Safety Food poisoning peaks during summer months due to warmer...Continue reading

A small deer tick on skin

Prevention of Insect-Borne Diseases

RCAHD Community Health Update A Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts publication As the weather continues to improve in Southwestern Virginia and more people are spending time outdoors, we encourage all Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts residents to take steps to protect themselves from insect-borne diseases. In 2022, we received reports of 14 insect-borne...Continue reading

group of friends side hugging each other

Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use

RCAHD Community Health Update A Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts publication Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Mental health and substance use are of great concern for many people in our districts. In a recent Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) newsletter survey about non-COVID health issues, 40% of the 1350 respondents ranked...Continue reading

Inspector in white clean suit inspecting food.

Environmental Health Food Program

RCAHD Community Health Update A Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts publication Environmental Health Food Program Among our roles to better protect the community’s health, the health department employs staff to help ensure the proper handling of food served to the public. The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts’ (RCAHD) Environmental Health Food Program works...Continue reading

Last Updated: August 21, 2023