ACE’s: Adverse Childhood Experiences

ACE’s are traumatic events that occur during childhood such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. These traumatic events can create lifelong generational risks of toxic stress which shows up in forms of behavioral, physical and mental issues. 

Preventing ACEs can help children and adults thrive and potentially:  

• Lower risk for conditions like depression, asthma, cancer, and diabetes in adulthood.  
• Reduce risky behaviors like smoking and heavy drinking.  
• Improve education and job potential.  
• Stop ACEs from being passed from one generation to the next. 

Learn more about ACE's by visiting the Joining Forces for Children website.

One Pill Can Kill

In 2023, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 79.5 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. It takes only 2mg of fentanyl to be lethal. The 2023 seizures are equivalent to more than 376.7 million lethal doses of fentanyl. The 2024 fentanyl seizures already represent over 93.7 million deadly doses 

The One Pill Can Kill initiative raises awareness on the dangers of fake prescription pills, particularly those containing fentanyl. Through education, prevention, and accessible resources, the campaign’s goal is to empower communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones from the grave consequences of fake prescription pills. 



In the video below, Julie Hofmans talks about the tragic overdose death of her son, Wyatt. Wyatt passed away at age 23 after taking a pill he thought was Xanax. The pill was actually laced with the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Learn more about this campaign by visiting the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill webpage. 

Back to School Vaccines Throughout BRHD

The Blue Ridge Health District is hosting Back to School Immunization Clinics throughout the District for all school aged children. Available vaccines include school-required vaccines (Dtap, Tdap, HPV, HepB, HepA, Polio, MMR, Varicella, and Meningococcal) for children attending school in Fall 2024. 

Appointments are required and can be made by calling your local health department. Details on BRHD Back to School vaccine clinics can be found by visiting our immunizations webpage. 

Fluvanna County Children's Health Fair

Join us on Saturday, April 27 for the Celebrating Children’s Fair from 10:00am-12:00pm at Carysbrook Elementary School (9172 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union, VA 23055).

It will be a great time of meeting community partners, learning about resources, and plenty of fun for the kiddos! From admission to activities, snacks to giveaways, this event is entirely free and open to all families, children, and caregivers.



For more information, call the Fluvanna County Department of Social Services at 434-842-8221.

988 Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The Lifeline is committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. 

If you need help, you can call or text the lifeline at 988, 24 hours a day, in multiple languages. To learn more, visit the 988 website.

Employee Highlight: Meet Tiffany!

Ready for another BRHD Employee Highlight? This week, meet Tiffany, Regional Tobacco Coordinator.

When did you start working at BRHD? February 2022

What do you do in your role? I reduce premature death, disease, disability and the economic burden related to tobacco use and/or exposure to second-hand smoke by creating tobacco free places so everyone has a chance to be healthy! I also educate providers and organizations about Quit Now Virginia, a tobacco cessation service offered to all Virginians.

Who are you outside of BRHD? I love being outside, going for walks with my dog Marley, and going to parks with my husband and two young kids. 

Favorite part of working at BRHD? I see a lot of compassion and people wanting to make a difference in the lives of those who really need help.

Offices Closed for Staff Training

BRHD Offices will be closed Friday, May 3 for staff training.

We will resume normal operating hours on Monday, May 6 at 8:00am.