Virginia Department of Health

Advocates are pushing for updated state standards requiring mandatory full-time licensed nurses in every Virginia public school to address critical student healthcare gaps. Current law only permits, rather than requires, such positions, and legislators are exploring updating the state’s Standards of Quality. The goal is seen as essential because schools require staff to oversee specialized health protocols, emergency equipment, and medications.

The Virginia Department of Health is working to improve its oversight of nursing home facilities, addressing deficiencies and a backlog of overdue inspections. Officials plan to adopt new sanction criteria by year-end, which would penalize facilities for repeated or similar violations on consecutive inspections. To boost resources, VDH has focused on hiring trained inspectors and adjusting the training process while receiving support for increased licensing fees.

Virginia's Department of Health is reforming oversight of nursing homes following concerns over neglect and deficient care. Officials are working to adopt sanction criteria by year-end and have increased staffing efforts through hiring more inspectors and shortening training processes. Furthermore, the department has begun triaging backlogged inspections by focusing on facilities with multiple allegations.

The Virginia Department of Health is implementing reforms to improve oversight following reports of neglect and a significant backlog of nursing home inspections. Reforms include hiring more inspectors, streamlining training processes, and triaging investigations toward facilities with multiple allegations. The department also plans to adopt a sanction mechanism by the end of the year that addresses repeated violations at a single facility.

The recreational water advisory for Hull Creek has been lifted in Portsmouth, as announced by the Portsmouth Health Department. The advisory followed an incident involving an estimated 3 million gallons of sewage that gushed into local streets. Furthermore, the Virginia Department of Health reported no evidence of remaining impact on drinking water.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) advises families to ensure children are up to date on immunizations for the upcoming school year. School immunization requirements in Virginia remain unchanged for the new academic term.

Virginia is preparing for House races focused on data centers, investigating a local dengue virus case in Northern Virginia, and addressing opposition to data centers in the Petersburg area. Governor Spanberger has opened applications for a new corrections advisory council, and Virginia Tech experts are providing insights on autonomous warfare in water.

Maryland has confirmed 148 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea, with 144 cases reported since May 1. The CDC reports over 6,700 confirmed domestic cases nationwide, linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms distributed to Taco Bell in Michigan and Ohio. Virginia has reported 126 cases, with symptoms including diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is implementing a 'roadmap' to improve oversight for nursing homes throughout the commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Health and City of Hopewell lifted the recreational water advisory for Bailey Bay after a sewage spill. The advisory was issued one week prior due to a sewage main break.

Alexandria, Virginia’s health department advises parents to schedule back-to-school vaccinations in July to avoid delays when school starts on Aug. 24. Dr. Anne Gaddy emphasizes early preparation, highlights high vaccination rates, and urges families to consult healthcare providers amid measles resurgences and ongoing COVID concerns.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) addressed a Code Red air quality alert in Hampton Roads due to wildfire smoke, with haze worsening inland. The Super Doppler 10 weather team noted visible gray skies caused by the smoke.

A rise in cyclospora cases, causing intestinal symptoms, has been reported in Virginia with 37 confirmed cases as of July 4. The CDC reports 1,645 nationwide cases, while Virginia also faces a measles outbreak with 177 cases, primarily in Buckingham and Cumberland counties.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging unvaccinated Powhatan residents to protect against measles as an outbreak in Buckingham County spreads to Cumberland. Concerns are rising that Powhatan could experience a similar outbreak.

The Stop the Bleed program conducted training at a Suffolk, Va. school to teach educators run-hide-fight concepts for emergency situations. The session was organized by the Western Tidewater Health District and Virginia Department of Health.

The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. MaryBeth DeMarco, a food-borne disease specialist, highlighted the concern.

Virginia health officials report 737 emergency department visits due to heat-related illnesses over a four-day period during the Independence Day holiday weekend. The Virginia Department of Health linked the surge in cases to extreme, record-breaking temperatures impacting the Commonwealth.

VDH issued an extreme heat warning for Fourth of July celebrations, leading to the cancellation of many Richmond events, including the 70-year-old Dogwood Dell fireworks show due to a heat wave.

Doctors are warning of heat stroke risks during the 4th of July weekend. Since May 1, around 1,400 Virginians have been to the emergency room for heat-related illnesses, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Virginia faces a dangerous heat wave with heat index values reaching up to 115 degrees through the Fourth of July weekend. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and use cooling centers. Voluntary water conservation measures are in effect in Richmond and surrounding areas due to worsening drought conditions.

Virginia's health department cut funding for HIV clinics, leading to patients struggling to access antiretroviral medications. Nonprofit providers report insufficient state budget restoration, with clinics overwhelmed as clients near medication shortages.

Virginia health officials are promoting free CPR and AED training to prevent child drownings following recent incidents. The Virginia Department of Health offers these classes to equip residents with life-saving skills.

A fox in Suffolk, Virginia, tested positive for rabies and was euthanized by Suffolk Animal Control. The Virginia Department of Health confirmed the case, highlighting rabies as a fatal disease.

Heather Williams, a public health nurse at Wakefield High School in Arlington, was named Virginia’s Nurse of the Year for her work addressing opioid overdoses, providing naloxone access, and connecting students to health resources. She emphasized building trust with students to support their physical and mental health needs.

Virginia's measles cases have surged past 70, with most infections concentrated in Central Virginia, particularly around Buckingham County. Health officials and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now recommend measles vaccinations to prevent further spread, though many cases involve unvaccinated children under 12 linked to anti-vaccine trends.

Virginia health agencies launched the 'Beyond the Blues' campaign to raise awareness about postpartum depression and provide resources, including a website with care coordination tools and support groups. The state legislature allocated over $553,000 for the campaign and resource development.