Local news and updates from Public Health
Arlington's Barcroft neighborhood is set to host a free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic on November 9th at the Barcroft Community Center, offering convenient access to essential immunizations.
Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating invasive tick and mosquito populations in Washington D.C., signaling a federal push to address public health risks from these common pests in the nation's capital.
A beaver found dead in a Montgomery County state park recently tested positive for rabies, prompting a public health alert for residents. This discovery underscores the ongoing threat of rabies in DMV wildlife and the critical need for vigilance among park visitors and pet owners.
Arlington County has been named America’s fittest “city” for the ninth straight year, a streak the county is using to justify continued investment in trails, parks and active-transportation projects that shape daily life across neighborhoods like Rosslyn and Ballston <a href="#source-card-0">[1]</a>.
The Alexandria Health Department has issued a warning after a raccoon tested positive for rabies following contact with a dog and its owner in Potomac Yard. Residents are urged to use caution around wildlife and keep pets vaccinated.
Washington, D.C., recently hosted a large-scale Drug Take Back Day, making it easy for residents to safely dispose of unwanted medications at 49 locations across the city. This initiative aims to prevent drug misuse and protect the environment, showcasing the District's commitment to public health and safety.
A significant $152 million verdict awarded to Baltimore City last year against two drug distributors for their role in the opioid epidemic has been vacated by the Maryland Supreme Court, creating a major setback for the city's public health efforts.
Maryland's Department of Health has confirmed two new measles cases in the Baltimore area, prompting a public health alert and renewed calls for vaccination.
President Trump has approved an emergency declaration for Washington D.C. following a significant sewage spill into the Potomac River, prompting the mobilization of FEMA resources to address the environmental and public health crisis.
Madison Warner, the 36-year-old daughter of U.S. Senator Mark Warner, has died after a decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes, her family announced. The news brings condolences from across Virginia.
DMV advocates highlight the critical importance of self-advocacy for Black and Brown women in healthcare, as disparities in maternal health outcomes continue to pose a significant threat.
Maryland's new Vax Act, signed by Gov. Wes Moore, will allow the state to set its own vaccine policy, decoupling from federal CDC guidance as of July 1. This shift requires insurance companies to cover state-endorsed vaccines, aiming for science-led public health decisions tailored to Maryland.
Fairfax County is considering cutting funding for a key mental health wellness program in its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, raising alarms from a local Oakton-based nonprofit. The move could impact residents relying on these critical support services.
New legislation heading to Governor Abigail Spanberger's desk aims to impose stricter regulations on vape product sales and enhance enforcement against underage purchases, signaling a significant shift in how the Commonwealth addresses vaping.