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Va. Department Of Health

  • Overview of the Virginia Department of Health
  • Mission and Goals of the Virginia Department of Health
  • History of the Virginia Department of Health
  • Services Offered by the Virginia Department of Health
  • Programs and Initiatives of the Virginia Department of Health
  • Leadership and Staff of the Virginia Department of Health
  • Locations and Facilities of the Virginia Department of Health
  • Collaborations and Partnerships of the Virginia Department of Health
  • News and Updates from the Virginia Department of Health
  • Careers and Opportunities with the Virginia Department of Health

Overview of the Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is a statewide agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health of Virginians. Founded in 1908, VDH has been providing public health services for over a century. The agency is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and operates across the state through its regional offices and local health departments.

Mission and Goals of the Virginia Department of Health

The mission of VDH is to promote and protect the health of all Virginians. The agency aims to achieve this mission by providing leadership, guidance, and resources to prevent illness and injury, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure access to quality healthcare. The goals of VDH are to:

  • Prevent and control infectious diseases
  • Promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles
  • Ensure access to quality healthcare
  • Protect against environmental hazards
  • Monitor and respond to public health emergencies

History of the Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health was founded in 1908 as the State Board of Health. In the early years, the agency focused on controlling infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox, and typhoid fever. Over time, VDH expanded its mission to include other areas of public health, such as chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and environmental health. Today, VDH continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing health needs of Virginians.

Services Offered by the Virginia Department of Health

VDH offers a wide range of services to promote and protect the health of Virginians. Some of the key services provided by the agency include:

  • Immunizations and vaccinations
  • Maternal and child health services
  • Chronic disease prevention and management
  • Infectious disease control and prevention
  • Environmental health and safety
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Health education and promotion

Programs and Initiatives of the Virginia Department of Health

VDH is involved in a wide range of programs and initiatives to promote and protect the health of Virginians. Some of the key programs and initiatives include:

  • The Virginia Immunization Information System, which tracks immunization records for all Virginians
  • The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition assistance and education to low-income women and children
  • The Virginia Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, which works to prevent and manage diabetes in Virginia
  • The Virginia Tobacco Control Program, which works to reduce tobacco use and exposure in Virginia
  • The Virginia Cancer Registry, which collects data on cancer cases in Virginia to help inform prevention and treatment efforts
  • The Virginia Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, which works to eliminate health disparities among minority populations in Virginia

Leadership and Staff of the Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health is led by State Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver. Dr. Oliver oversees a team of public health professionals who work in various areas of the agency, including infectious disease control, chronic disease prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and health education. VDH also employs a large number of nurses, epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, and other public health professionals who work in local health departments and regional offices throughout the state.

Locations and Facilities of the Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health operates through its headquarters in Richmond, as well as regional offices and local health departments located throughout the state. There are five VDH regions in Virginia, each of which has a regional office that coordinates public health activities in that area. Local health departments are located in every county and city in Virginia and provide a wide range of public health services to their communities.

Collaborations and Partnerships of the Virginia Department of Health

VDH works closely with a variety of partners and stakeholders to promote and protect the health of Virginians. Some of the key collaborations and partnerships include:

  • The Virginia Healthcare Emergency Management Program, which coordinates emergency preparedness and response efforts among healthcare providers in Virginia
  • The Virginia Department of Education, which works with VDH to ensure that students have access to necessary vaccines and health screenings
  • The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, which works with VDH on a variety of public health initiatives, including infection control and emergency preparedness
  • The Virginia Primary Care Association, which partners with VDH to improve access to primary care for underserved populations in Virginia
  • The Virginia Association of Local Health Districts, which represents local health departments and works with VDH to promote public health across the state

News and Updates from the Virginia Department of Health

VDH provides regular updates and news on its website and through social media channels. The agency also issues press releases and other communications to keep Virginians informed about public health issues and initiatives. Some recent news and updates from VDH include:

  • COVID-19 vaccine distribution updates
  • Flu season guidance and resources
  • Information on the Virginia Tobacco Control Program's efforts to reduce youth vaping
  • Updates on the Virginia Cancer Registry's latest data on cancer rates in Virginia

Careers and Opportunities with the Virginia Department of Health

VDH offers a variety of career opportunities for public health professionals, including nurses, epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, and health educators. The agency also offers internships and volunteer opportunities for students and others interested in public health. Visit the VDH website to learn more about current job openings and other opportunities to get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions about Va. Department Of Health

What is the mission of the Va. Department Of Health?

The mission of the Va. Department Of Health is to promote and protect the health of all Virginians.

What services does the Va. Department Of Health provide?

The Va. Department Of Health provides a wide range of services including disease prevention and control, health education, vital records, environmental health, and emergency preparedness and response.

How can I get in touch with the Va. Department Of Health?

You can get in touch with the Va. Department Of Health by visiting their website at www.vdh.virginia.gov, calling their main office at (804) 864-7000, or visiting one of their local health departments.

What are the hours of operation for the Va. Department Of Health?

The hours of operation for the Va. Department Of Health vary by location. Please visit their website or call your local health department for more information.