Virginia State Office of Rural Health

05/14/2026

🌸 During National Women’s Health Week, take time to explore resources that empower women to advocate for their health.

According to the research by OASH, more women than men report feeling dismissed by health care providers. Access a fact sheet that offers practical advice on preparing for medical appointments, effective strategies for communicating with health care providers, and tips for making informed decisions about treatment options. Women can and should be informed, empowered, and proactive advocates for their health.

Explore this and other helpful fact sheets from the HHS Office on Women’s Health:
👉 https://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/resources

05/13/2026

The National Academies hosted a two-part webinar series focused on improving maternal and infant health in rural communities.

These sessions will explore evidence-informed strategies to strengthen rural systems of care, expand access to services, support the healthcare workforce, and improve outcomes for mothers and infants across every stage of care.

Please watch the recorded series and review the discussion notes: https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/CHPP-HCPH-26-P-737/event/46752

The National Academies will organize and conduct two public webinars to explore strategies for improving maternal and infant health in rural areas of the United States. The webinars will highlight evidence-informed solutions for diagnosis and care spanning the period before pregnancy, throughout pre...

05/13/2026

Enhance your skills and support the healthcare safety net by attending the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics - 2026 Virtual Summit, June 8–12, for expert-led professional development.

Focus Features:
Grant strategy & funding success
Trauma-informed care
Diabetes technology updates
Workplace well-being & resilience

Why attend?
Convenient virtual access from your office
Flexible tracks tailored to your interests
Affordable pricing — just $100 for non-member organizations to register their entire team

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. View the full agenda and register today: https://www.vafreeclinics.org/event

05/12/2026

¡La prevención de las garrapatas comienza desde cero! Al disfrutar de la naturaleza, usar la ropa y el repelente adecuados puede protegerte de las picaduras de garrapata. www.vdh.virginia.gov/ticks/

05/12/2026

🌸 During National Women’s Health Week, take time to explore the connection between hormones and overall health.

The HHS Office on Women’s Health is exploring four focus areas, and today we are highlighting Hormones and Health: Unlocking the Science of Women’s Bodies, along with resources focused on prevention, healthy aging, chronic disease, and the future of women’s health.

Explore helpful tools, fact sheets, and shareable resources:
👉 https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw

05/11/2026

We are excited to announce FOOD FOR THOUGHT happening in just 2 weeks on Friday, May 22, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Bath Community Hospital.

This free community event will serve as a health fair and a kickoff to a healthy summer for both mind and body through the power of nutrition and the Food Is Medicine initiative.

Good nutrition supports more than physical health. Healthy eating can improve mood, support brain health, and strengthen overall well-being. Join them as they promote healthy lifestyles and celebrate the connection between food, mental wellness, and community health.

05/11/2026

Resources for our rural partners.

The HHS Office on Women’s Health has created ready-to-use social media messages and outreach materials to help promote National Women’s Health Week. These resources are a great way to support education, prevention, and wellness efforts across your community channels.

Explore the resources and join the conversation by tagging:
on Facebook
on X
Office on Women’s Health on LinkedIn

05/06/2026

Celebrating our Rural Nurses! 🥳🩺🩵 To the nurses serving rural Virginia, thank you for showing up, caring deeply, and making a difference where it matters most. Your work does not go unnoticed.

VDH thanks all of the dedicated nursing staff that make a difference in our patients’ lives each day.

05/06/2026

3RNET Annual Conference, taking place from August 24 to 26, 2026! Register today and be part of the conversation.

Connect with professionals dedicated to strengthening rural and underserved communities at this year’s conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Gain practical insights, share ideas, and build connections that support your work every day. From workforce strategies to real-world solutions, this conference is where ideas turn into action.

View the agenda: https://www.3rnet.org/Conference/Agenda
Register: https://forms.gle/hFJ8RaRodS5DUn7R9

Have you been part of 3RNET for several years, but have not attended a conference? Apply for the Skinner Scholarship to help cover your costs.

05/05/2026

☀️ Get Summer Ready and Stay on Track for School!

As you plan for summer fun, don’t forget to check off an important to-do. Make an appointment now to ensure your child’s school vaccinations are up to date.

Schedule your child’s appointment today and enjoy a worry-free summer!

05/04/2026

Access to safe, reliable drinking water is essential for healthy rural communities. During Drinking Water Week, we recognize the importance of protecting water systems that many rural residents depend on every day and the role they play in preventing illness and supporting overall community health.

Drinking Water Week recognizes the vital role clean, reliable drinking water plays in our daily lives. From health and hydration to hygiene, safe water is essential to our well‑being.

We also celebrate and appreciate the dedicated water professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of our drinking water systems.

Read more about the importance of clean water, and how Virginia keeps drinking water safe at https://ow.ly/rqo450YUtAs