RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter
05.29.24
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Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
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Be Kind To Your Mind!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
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Along with the importance of physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing plays a significant role in overall health.
When mental health needs are met, individuals are in a better position to cope with the normal stresses of life, to be able to work productively, and to make contributions to the community. On the other hand, when mental health needs are not met, the result can have a negative influence on employment, poverty, homelessness, safety, and the local economy. Although national surveys indicate that 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health problem during the year, the good news is that most people with mental health difficulties get better, and many recover completely (SAMHSA). Healthy communities should have coordinated efforts to promote good mental health; to prevent the factors that lead to mental illness (such as reducing the impact of poverty, child maltreatment, and violence); and to provide a web of services to support those who have mental health illness.
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it is particularly important to note the role that local agencies play in suicide prevention efforts. In our area, both Roanoke City and Alleghany County have significantly higher rates of death due to suicide compared to rates across Virginia and the United States (County Health Rankings). Local community service boards’ efforts to address the issue include the Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley, part of Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, and Lock & Talk, founded by the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board in Covington and others. Additional local agencies providing suicide prevention counseling, case management, advocacy and education include:
- Family Services of Roanoke Valley
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SARA Roanoke Crisis Hotline (540-981-9352)
- Tudor House
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Since 2022, a national three-digit phone number, 9-8-8, has served as a national suicide prevention lifeline to improve access to vital crisis services. You can call, text or chat 9-8-8 in English or Spanish around the clock to access trained crisis counselors who can help those experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, and/or a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. You can also call 9-8-8 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support...
How does your local health department serve the community's mental health?
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The first step for any individual is to recognize when you need more help and not feel embarrassed to seek support. If you are thinking about suicide, talking with a professional can help. Ready to make the call? A national helpline for treatment and referrals is available at 800-662-HELP.
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Blue Ridge Behavioral Health is offering several free Mental Health First Aid trainings this summer to teach both youth and adults how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
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Be Seen In Green
Mental Health Awareness Block Party
Friday, May 31
11am - 2pm
311 S Monroe Ave
Covington
Join the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board for a free, family-friendly event to discover more resources and services available in the Alleghany Highlands area.
- Free food
- Knitting, rock painting
- Music
- Vendors
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Mental Health: Spotlight on Prevention
In this RVTV video, Michael Gartland, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Salem VA Hospital, explains how safely securing firearms can put time and space between a person in crisis and an operational firearm. Learn where to find free gun safety locks in the Roanoke area. (~2min)
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VDH in the News
A community coalition implemented a VDH grant to improve neighborhood safety
One’s neighborhood has a major impact on personal health and well-being. To make the Lansdowne neighborhood that includes Salem Turnpike and 24th Street in Northwest Roanoke a safer and more inviting space for pedestrians and drivers, an 18-month collaborative project is nearing final stages of completion. A community event to install the final features was held on May 4.
This project included the following key improvements for community safety and beautification:
- The installation of an ADA-accessible bus stop on Salem Turnpike
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High-visibility crosswalks at Salem Turnpike and 24th Street NW
- A flashing beacon at pedestrian crossings and high-visibility bollards
- A street mural designed with the input of the Lansdowne neighborhood and greater Northwest Roanoke City area adult and children residents
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Prior concerns about this heavily used corridor placed it in the top 1% statewide for pedestrian crash risk factors (VDOT Pedestrian Safety Action Plan), including:
· High daily traffic volumes, often at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit
· Narrow and non-ADA-compliant sidewalks
· A lack of pedestrian-focused lighting
· Limited crossing opportunities for pedestrians
These improvements, coupled with the new street art, aim to slow traffic, promote safer streets, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. The project will also aid neighbors in accessing nearby walkable resources found at the Roanoke EnVision Center, Melrose Library, and the forthcoming Melrose Plaza amenities that will feature a new neighborhood grocery store.
A coalition of representatives from the City of Roanoke, Roanoke Arts Commission, Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission, Carilion Clinic, and the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts spearheaded the project along with input from more than 80 dedicated community members. The local coalition was supported by the Virginia Department of Health’s Virginia Walkability Action Institute and was provided technical support by Equitable Cities, Inc.
Local media coverage of the neighborhood improvement activities included:
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Grill Like a Pro
As grilling season is getting into full swing, so is the risk for foodborne illness. We have recently seen a local upswing in cases involving Campylobacter. A common type of bacteria, Campylobacter can cause illness from contaminated food and water. Most people will recover within a few days, but if you feel seriously ill, see your healthcare provider sooner.
WHAT TO KNOW
You can help protect yourself and others from campylobacteriosis or other foodborne infection:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Be careful when preparing raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Drink treated water and pasteurized milk.
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- Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and pork: 145 degrees F
- Fish with fins: 145 degrees F
- Ground meats, such as beef or pork: 160 degrees F
- All poultry, leftovers, and casseroles: 165 degrees F
Questions about meat, poultry or egg preparation? Talk to a USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline food safety expert at:
888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)
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Come Work With Us!
Help improve your community's well-being! Join the RCAHD public health team:
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Family Nutrition: Green Monster Goodness
Looking for a way to load up on veggies? Especially as more spring fruits and vegetables come into season (strawberries, spinach, kale), consider putting them in a smoothie! Quick to make, smoothies can be customized to suit individual preferences, and are an easy way to get a variety of plant nutrients into your diet. This version is dairy-free, but milk or plant-based milk could also be added.
Check out Virginia's Family Nutrition Program Eat Smart Move More Virginia time-saving recipe that can easily be scaled up to make a batch to enjoy all week:
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Swim Healthy, Virginia!
Tips for Healthy and Safe Swimming
The best step to take for drowning prevention is to be prepared. Have rescue equipment at home, post 9-1-1 emergency information, and think through an emergency action plan.
- Learn to swim yourself and have your child learn to swim. Learn life-saving skills, including swimming basics and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and that they are able to:
- step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface;
- float or tread water for one minute;
- turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
- swim 25 yards to exit the water;
- exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder
- Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They should be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
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