New Health Director named for RCAHD and more, like free flu shots
Welcome Dr. Morrow: First and foremost, we are pleased to announce Dr. Cynthia Morrow as the new Health Director for the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts. Dr. Morrow will be starting in a part time capacity as she completes a commitment to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM). She will assume full time duties beginning the first of the year, and she’ll also maintain a faculty position with VTCSOM. She looks forward to facilitating meaningful partnerships between the health district, VTCSOM, and other organizations to improve community health and to enhance public health training, education, and service.
COVID-19 Situation Update: Here is the district’s COVID-19 situation update provided by Dr. Thomas Kerkering as of this morning (9/1/20):
• 2,623 COVID-19 cases in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts
• 335 active cases (165 active in Roanoke City Health District, 170 active in Alleghany Health District)
• 10 cases are new in the past 24 hours
• Alleghany County: 72
• Botetourt County: 249
• Covington: 27
• Craig: 26
• Roanoke City: 1,323
• Roanoke County: 739
• Salem: 164
• 35 COVID-19 related deaths
• 13 people currently hospitalized
• The Health District is currently working on 9 outbreaks
You can access his full media briefing here: https://fccdl.in/PDygtisghT
FREE Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics: We are gearing up to prepare the community for flu season by providing no-cost flu shot events. Those without health insurance are encouraged to attend. If our supply of “no cost” flu vaccine is given, we will have an additional supply of flu vaccines on hand for all ages. Events will be drive-thru for maximum safety and will be held from 4 – 7pm on the dates and at the locations listed in the attached flyer. Individuals can also call their local health department to schedule an appointment, or see their doctor or pharmacist for a vaccine.
Regional COVID Hotline discontinued: The regional COVID hotline has been discontinued as of today. Going forward, the public health professionals currently staffing the hotline will shift to case investigation and contact tracing efforts to reduce and prevent COVID-19 transmission in our communities. The Virginia Department of Health continues to operate a statewide hotline at 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343), which serves residents Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Partner Updates:
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, our partners are offering 3 Mental Health First Aid Trainings, two for youth and one for adults. These are excellent trainings for community members who work or interact with adults or youth in almost any capacity. They empower lay persons to offer first aid in the event of a mental health concern. Flyers for each training attached.
- Direct link to sign up for Youth MHFA on September 12: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/117471058097
- Direct link to sign up for Adult MHFA on September 19: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/117471966815
- RSVP to sign up for Youth
-Submiited by Samara Lott, M.P.H.
Population Health Planning & Improvement Coordinator
