Vriginia Department Of Health
- About the Virginia Department of Health: Learn more about the organization's history, mission, and values
- Services Offered: Explore the different health services provided by the Virginia Department of Health, including immunizations, environmental health, and disease prevention
- Health Statistics in Virginia: View the latest health data and statistics for the state
- News and Events: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events related to the Virginia Department of Health, such as new initiatives, community outreach programs, and health fairs
- Health Alerts and Advisories: Get updates on urgent health alerts and advisories in Virginia, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters
- Programs and Initiatives: Learn more about the department's ongoing programs and initiatives, such as tobacco cessation, early childhood health, and emergency preparedness
- Publications and Reports: Access the Virginia Department of Health's publications and reports, including annual reports, research studies, and fact sheets on various health topics
- Employment Opportunities: Find out about current job openings at the Virginia Department of Health and learn how to apply
- Contact Information: Get in touch with the Virginia Department of Health through phone, email, or in-person visits to their offices
- Resources and Links: Explore additional resources and links related to public health in Virginia, such as partner organizations, government agencies, and research institutions
About the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is a state agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of Virginians. The department was founded in 1882 and has since grown to become one of the largest state health departments in the country, with over 3,000 employees across the state. The VDH's mission is to promote optimum health for all Virginians through disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency preparedness.
Mission and Values
The VDH's mission is to protect the health of all Virginians and to promote healthy communities. The department is guided by a set of core values, including:
- Integrity: Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Collaboration: Working together with partners and stakeholders to achieve common goals
- Excellence: Striving for excellence in all programs and services
- Innovation: Embracing creativity and innovation to improve health outcomes
Services Offered
The VDH provides a wide range of health services to the people of Virginia. Some of the services offered by the department include:
- Immunizations: The VDH offers immunizations to children and adults to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Environmental Health: The department works to ensure clean air, water, and food for the citizens of Virginia. This includes monitoring and controlling environmental hazards such as lead and asbestos.
- Disease Prevention: The VDH promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections.
- Emergency Preparedness: The department works with local and state partners to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and bioterrorism events.
Health Statistics in Virginia
The VDH collects and analyzes health data to monitor trends and identify health issues affecting the people of Virginia. Some of the latest health statistics for the state include:
- Virginia ranks 23rd in the country for overall health outcomes, according to the 2019 America's Health Rankings report.
- The leading causes of death in Virginia are cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
- The state has a higher-than-average rate of opioid overdose deaths, with 14.5 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2018.
News and Events
The VDH keeps the public informed about the latest news and events related to public health in Virginia. Some recent initiatives and events include:
- The department launched a new campaign to promote tobacco cessation among young adults in Virginia.
- The VDH held a series of community health fairs across the state to provide free health screenings and education to residents.
- The department partnered with local health departments to provide free flu vaccinations to uninsured and underinsured Virginians.
Health Alerts and Advisories
The VDH provides updates on urgent health alerts and advisories in Virginia, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters. Residents can sign up for email or text message alerts to stay informed about public health emergencies in their area.
Programs and Initiatives
The VDH is involved in a number of ongoing programs and initiatives aimed at improving the health of Virginians. Some of these programs include:
- Tobacco Cessation: The department offers a range of resources and support to help residents quit smoking and reduce their risk of tobacco-related illnesses.
- Early Childhood Health: The VDH works with parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators to promote healthy development and prevent childhood obesity.
- Emergency Preparedness: The department trains and equips local and state partners to respond to public health emergencies such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
Publications and Reports
The VDH publishes a variety of reports and publications on various health topics, including annual reports, research studies, and fact sheets. Some recent publications include:
- The State of Mental Health in Virginia, a report on the status of mental health services and outcomes in the state.
- Healthy Eating for Children, a guide for parents and caregivers on promoting healthy eating habits in young children.
- Virginia Cancer Registry Report, an annual report on cancer incidence and mortality in Virginia.
Employment Opportunities
The VDH is an equal opportunity employer and offers a diverse range of career opportunities in public health. Current job openings can be found on the department's website, along with information on how to apply.
Contact Information
Residents can get in touch with the VDH through phone, email, or in-person visits to their offices. Contact information for various departments and programs can be found on the department's website.
Resources and Links
The VDH provides links to a variety of additional resources and partner organizations related to public health in Virginia. Some of these resources include:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- The Virginia Department of Social Services
- The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
People Also Ask about Virginia Department of Health
What is the Virginia Department of Health?
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is a government agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health of Virginia residents. It provides various services related to disease prevention, community health, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and healthcare quality.
What are some of the services offered by VDH?
VDH offers a range of services, including immunizations, family planning, cancer screening, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, health education, birth and death records, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition assistance, and food safety inspections.
How can I access VDH services?
You can access VDH services through its local health departments, which are located in every county and city in Virginia. You can also visit the VDH website to find information on specific services and programs.
What is VDH doing to address the COVID-19 pandemic?
VDH is working closely with state and local partners to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is providing guidance on testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, vaccine distribution, and public health mitigation measures. It is also keeping the public informed through regular updates and press releases.
How can I report a public health concern to VDH?
You can report a public health concern to VDH by contacting your local health department or using the VDH online reporting form. You can report concerns related to infectious diseases, foodborne illnesses, environmental hazards, and other public health issues.