Virginia State Office of Rural Health

Resource Highlight: Virginia Rural Obstetrical Workforce Data

Explore new 2025 data on the distribution of obstetricians and advanced practice midwives across Virginia. This resource provides county-level maps and tables, along with comparisons between rural and urban areas, offering valuable insight into workforce capacity and geographic gaps in obstetrical care.

Access the full report here: https://familymedicine.uw.edu/rhrc/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/06/RHRC_DBJUN2026_VA_OB_Woolcock.pdf

As we head into the warm summer months, it’s a good time for our rural community to stay mindful of mosquitoes and the illnesses they can carry. Living close to fields, forests, and standing water means we see more of these pests than most, but a few simple steps can go a long way in protecting our families, farms, and animals. Join us in recognizing Mosquito Control Awareness Week and keeping our community healthy and bite‑free.

June 21-27 is Mosquito Control Awareness Week. 🦟Learn more about what YOU can do to prevent mosquito bites at vdh.virginia.gov/mosquitoes

Virginia SUN Bucks is helping eligible families keep kids fed and healthy during summer break, when most schools are closed. In 2026, each eligible school‑age child will receive a one‑time $120 benefit to help cover the cost of groceries.

Community organizations can also access Virginia SUN Bucks Community Partner Resources, which offer clear, ready‑to‑share materials to help families understand how the program works. These resources support partners across the Commonwealth in educating Virginians about access to nutritious food for children.

A stronger, healthier summer starts with making sure every child has what they need.

Community Partner Resources: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks/community-partner-resources/

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to focus on the small, everyday actions that can make a big difference for lifelong brain health.

Everyday actions. Lifelong impact.
Take a step toward better brain wellness by signing up for the (re)think your brain™ 6‑Step Challenge. https://www.alz.org/abam It offers simple, practical tips you can build into your routine to help support brain health and may even lower the risk of dementia.

Healthy habits today can shape a healthier tomorrow. Let’s take care of our brains and support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Virginia Department of Health Resources:

10 Alzheimer's Warning Signs Fact Sheet-https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/156/2023/02/Brain-Health-Fact-Sheet-10-Warning-Signs.pdf

Healthy Brain Virginia: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/brain-health/

Looking for funding to support your rural health project? The Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) is a powerhouse resource for rural communities and organizations.

RHIhub’s Funding and Opportunities database features federal, state, local, and private programs specifically relevant to rural health and human services. Their team reviews every listing to ensure funders either explicitly support rural areas or have a history of doing so .

Need help finding the right fit? RHIhub offers free customized funding searches to match your project with potential funders. You can request one by contacting 800‑270‑1898 or emailing [email protected] and sharing your ZIP code and project purpose.

To stay current on new opportunities, you can subscribe to the "This Week" newsletter, set up custom alerts, or follow their RSS feeds for real‑time updates.

A great tool for anyone working to strengthen rural health.

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and today we’re putting a spotlight on something that doesn’t get talked about enough: men’s mental health.

Men’s health isn’t just about physical checkups. It’s shaped by connection, support, and the people we lean on. When men have strong relationships, good information, and real conversations, everyone benefits.

Men face real health challenges, from heart disease and cancer to diabetes and preventable injuries, but mental health plays a major role in all of it. Stress, burnout, and silent struggles can take a toll long before physical symptoms show up. Reaching out, checking in, and talking openly can be life‑changing.

As we head into Father’s Day weekend, let’s celebrate the men in our lives by encouraging them to take care of their whole health — body and mind. A simple conversation can make a big difference.

VDH Men's Health Resources: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vdhlivewell/men/

Resources to use this week to promote men's health awareness-https://menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mens-Health-Month-2026-toolkit-compress.pdf

Attention Rural Healthcare Providers

The CDC has released updated guidance to help clinicians identify and manage potential cases of New World screwworm (NWS). Early recognition is especially important in rural areas where farmers and agricultural workers have frequent contact with livestock and may be at higher risk of exposure.

Key points for providers:

Consider NWS in patients with rapidly worsening, painful wounds, particularly with recent travel to affected regions.

Look for larvae or egg masses in wounds or body openings.

Report any suspected cases immediately to your local or state health department.

Submit larvae for proper identification and follow recommended handling procedures.

Re-examine wounds within 24–48 hours to ensure complete removal.

Access the full CDC recommendations for healthcare providers:
https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/media/pdfs/2025/09/NWS-Recommendations-for-HCPs-cleared-508.pdf

Welcome to summer, everyone! The heat has officially arrived, and I hope our rural communities are staying cool and safe.

tip: Stay inside with air conditioning. No AC? Enter your zip code at vdh.virginia.gov/cooling to find cooling-off centers near you!

Wrapping up the week with rich content for our healthcare partners in the final two days of the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics’ 2026 Virtual Summit.

Day 4 and Day 5 continue to deliver meaningful sessions designed to strengthen our network, support clinic teams, and elevate the quality of care for rural communities across the Commonwealth. There is still so much to gain before the summit closes!

Tonight, June 10, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. ET, job seekers are invited to join HRSA’s Virtual Job Fair. Connect with more than 30 health care organizations recruiting for over 250 positions in clinical, behavioral health, dental, nursing, and care support roles.

Learn about benefits, meet recruiters, and explore how you can make a difference in communities that need you. HRSA Virtual Job Fairs are free and designed to link health care professionals with opportunities nationwide.

To register and learn more about upcoming job fairs: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/job-search/attend-virtual-job-fair?utm_campaign=HAPPENING+TONIGHT%3A+HRSA+Virtual+Job+Fair&utm_medium=govdelivery&utm_source=email