Va Dept of Health

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is here! Early hearing screening helps ensure children get the support they need to thrive. In Virginia, most babies are screened by 1 month—an important first step for strong communication development.

Drowning can happen fast, but we can prevent it by staying alert around water. Pick a water watcher, stay focused, and keep kids within arm’s reach. Your attention can save a life. Take the Safe Swimming Pledge and help protect kids all summer long. ow.ly/71Ww50Z10NN

Sunday’s #EMSWeek theme is Health, Wellness & Resilience Day. Research has shown that the majority of EMS providers will struggle with their mental health at some point. You’re not alone,it’s ok to reach out for help.Find provider health & safety resources tinyurl.com/2jztmkc7

Bystanders play a key role in stroke! Many people having a stroke cannot recognize their own stroke symptoms and are often unable to call 9-1-1 themselves. Remember B.E.F.A.S.T.: Balance, Eyes, Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1!

In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, VDH and DBHDS launched Beyond the Blues, a public awareness campaign to help Virginians understand perinatal & postpartum depression and maternal mental health. Read more at ow.ly/QsCv50Z0i1t

Were you bitten by a #tick? After removing it, you can save it & send it to VDH's Tick Survey Program. The goal is to understand which ticks are biting people & the locations of Virginia's tick species. vdh.virginia.gov/ticks/tick-ide… #TickCheck #TickPrevention #LymeDiseaseAwareness

Regular checkups and screenings are important for early detection, leading to better treatment outcomes. We offer a range of preventative services for women, from wellness exams to birth control: loudoun.gov/health #NationalWomensHealthMonth

Tick check! If you have been outside, check your whole body for ticks. Take them off carefully and talk to your doctor if you develop a rash or fever as some ticks can make you sick. Learn more at vdh.virginia.gov/ticks/tick-rem… #TickCheck #TickPrevention #LymeDiseaseAwareness

Suspect a stroke?  Call 9-1-1 right away so that paramedics can transport you to the hospital. It is best to ride in an ambulance because the first responders will be able to start stroke interventions upon arrival and will know the best hospital to go to for treatment.

📣Calling Community Health Workers in Virginia! 📣 VDH is conducting a 15-minute survey for anyone in Virginia who works in the role of a CHW, even if their title is different. Please take this survey by May 22, 2026. redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys…

Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in Virginia. B.E.F.A.S.T. is a helpful way to recognize signs of a stroke: Balance loss. Eyesight changes. Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 9-1-1.

VDH is proud to award the 2026 Nurse of the Year Heather Williams, with the Arlington County Department of Human Services. Congratulations Heather! Thank you for your contributions to nursing and public health! #NationalNursesWeek

#DYK there are around 5,000 new cases of hepatitis C reported in Virginia each year? Visit our new hepatitis C dashboard for more data and facts. vdh.virginia.gov/disease-preven… #HepatitisAwarenessMonth

May is #HepatitisAwarenessMonth. Learn more about the common types of viral hepatitis, how to protect yourself, testing, and treatment. ow.ly/nyzo50YWHTx

Adwoa Sam, in the Division of Clinical Epidemiology, says her nursing superpower is first establishing the facts and not assuming them! Read the graphic for her full quote. #NationalNursesWeek #WhatsYourSuperpower

Mary Lowe, in the Office of Family Health Services, says her nursing superpowers are team building and care coordination! Read the graphic for her full quote. #NationalNursesWeek #WhatsYourSuperpower

Careen Rogers, with the West Piedmont Health District, says her nursing superpower is bringing the frontline insight of an immunization expert and public health nurse into the field of epidemiology! Read the graphic for her full quote. #NationalNursesWeek #WhatsYourSuperpower

VDH is monitoring the hantavirus situation closely and has been in active communication with our federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At this time, we believe the risk to the general public to be low. Read more at ow.ly/rw6y50YWxcA

To celebrate #PublicServiceWeek, @VDHCommissioner and members of VDH’s senior leadership team joined staff from the Office of Vital Records to provide vital records to people experiencing homelessness. This partnership has served 3,162 clients since November 2024!

Miranda Anderson, with the Richmond City and Henrico Health Districts, says her nursing superpower is to genuinely connect with people and see their whole health! Read the graphic for her full quote. #NationalNursesWeek #WhatsYourSuperpower