Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts

01/21/2026

can happen any time. Make sure you are ready. Now is the time to make a plan.

https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready

01/19/2026

01/19/2026

Glaucoma Awareness Month

Observed every January to raise awareness about glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This month is dedicated to educating the public about the disease, encouraging those at higher risk to get dilated eye exams, and spreading knowledge about the importance of early detection and treatment.

Glaucoma has no early symptoms. The only way to check for it is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.

Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk, including people who:

Are over age 60
Are Black/African American and over age 40
Are Asian American
Are Hispanic/Latino
Have a family history of glaucoma

Don't Be Blindsided!!
What to learn more: https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month

01/15/2026

It is with great sadness that VDH is reporting the first influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2025–26 influenza (flu) season in Virginia. A preschool-age child (0-4 years) in VDH’s Eastern Region died from complications associated with flu. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the child. 🔗https://ow.ly/zX5s50XXpHL

VDH recommends the following tips to prevent the :
✅Most people aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider as needed.
✅Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
✅Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your open hand.
✅Stay at home when you feel sick.

People at increased risk for flu complications should speak with a healthcare provider when symptoms begin to see if antiviral treatment is recommended. Treatment works best when started within two days after symptoms begin. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms become severe.

01/15/2026

National Birth Defects Awareness Month

Awareness can help improve the health of people living with these conditions and widen available networks of support.

Learn More:https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/awareness-month/index.html

01/14/2026

The health department will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM.

If you are in need of assistance during this time, please call (434) 713- 5005.

01/14/2026

that impact an estimated 3,000 Virginians born each year? Risk of neural tube defects, like spina bifida, can be significantly reduced by taking folic acid even before conception. You can learn more about these trends at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-public-health-tracking/birth-defects/

01/12/2026

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month! While birth defect is a medical term, it doesn’t mean that an individual is defective. It refers to health conditions that develop in a baby before birth.

Learn more about birth defects and information for who are planning to have children https://ow.ly/PMlg50XVwsK

01/12/2026

You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

Protect you and your family to get a kit sent to you for as low as $4 use the link below
https://www.vdhradon.org
Learn More: https://www.cdc.gov/radon/about/index.html

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of Uranium which is found in certain types of soil and bedrock. Radon can seep into your home from exposed dirt such as a crawl space. For a limited time, Virginia residents can order a $3 Radon Home Test Kit.

01/11/2026