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Welcome to CVHD's Biweekly Newsletter! |
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Do you want the latest updates and health information delivered straight to your inbox? CVHD's newsletter is here for you! In this issue you will find:
- Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
- Health Awareness Days - STI Awareness Week
- Health Awareness Days - IBS Awareness Month
- Health Awareness Days - Child Abuse Prevention Month
- COVID-19 Support Group and Resource Interest Survey
- DEA National Drug Take Back Day
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Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
It's National Volunteer Appreciation Week, so we want to take the time to say thank you to our awesome Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers! They have worked hard to serve and keep our community healthy and remain on standby to help out when needed.
Thank you for all you do!
P.S. If you're interested in volunteering with the MRC and/or want to learn more, visit the Virginia MRC's Apply to Volunteer page.
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Health Awareness Dates to Know |
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Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week
April 9 - 15 was STI Awareness Week!
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that anyone can get through any type of sexual contact. STIs have been increasing across the nation, state and even in our health district.
Many STIs do not have symptoms right away, so you might not know if you have an STI unless you get tested.
There are three simple things you can do to keep yourself safe from STIs:
- Talk to your partner about how to keep yourself safe from STIs before you have sex, such as by practicing safe sex behaviors like using a condom and abstaining from sex if you believe your partner may have an STI.
- Test for STIs, as that is the only way to know for sure if you do or do not have one. If you are sexually active, talk with your doctor about making STI testing part of your regular healthcare routine.
- If you do get tested and learn that you have an STI, make sure that you stick to your treatment plan and complete the prescribed treatment
You can get tested for STIs at the Lynchburg Health Department. To make an appointment, call 434-477-5974. You can also find other testing and treatment options near you at the VDH Resource Connections page.
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IBS Awareness Month
April is IBS Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Some studies estimate that about 20% of Americans (primarily women) suffer from IBS.
IBS is a disorder that affects your large intestine and can include bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and more. In some people, the pain may be so severe it prevents people from completing daily life functions, while other people who have IBS may not even know they have IBS because they have occasional diarrhea or constipation and think it is a virus from something they ate.
There is no cure for IBS, but there are some treatments for IBS sufferers, such as dietary and nutrition changes, exercise and possibly medications to manage some symptoms.
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Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The CDC defines child abuse and neglect as "all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (such as a religious leader, a coach, a teacher) that results in harm, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child." This includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect.
In the past year, about 1 in 7 children experienced abuse or neglect in the United States. Child abuse is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) and can have significant long-term consequences in the child's life.
If you see a child being abused or neglected and in immediate danger, please call 911. You can also call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). To learn more about reporting child abuse and neglect, please visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway's page.
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CVHD News and Upcoming Events |
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COVID Support Group and Resource Interest Survey |
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Are you a community member of the Central Virginia Health District? If so, we want YOUR feedback!
We are gauging feedback from the community about interest in COVID-19 support groups and resources. If you have been impacted by COVID-19 or know someone who has and are seeking support and/or resources, please take the time to fill out our Interest Survey to let us know!
P.S. don't forget that you can check out our COVID-19 Resources page to find more information about COVID-19 related resources you may need.
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DEA National Drug Take Back Day |
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Don't forget about the DEA National Drug Take Day coming up on Saturday, April 22!
We're collaborating with community partners like Horizon Behavioral Health, local police departments and sheriff's offices and the Central Virginia Addiction & Recovery Resources Coalition (CVARR) for this Drug Take Back Day!
Bring your expired and unneeded prescription drugs to any of the locations listed above between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 22 to safely dispose of them. Staff members will be at each location to provide you with health information, connect you with resources you may need, and provide Rapid REVIVE training to provide you with Narcan.
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Lynchburg Health Department Address:
307 Alleghany Ave. Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone: 434-477-5900
For appointments: 434-477-5974
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