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Welcome to the
Roanoke City & Alleghany
Health Districts
Newsletter
07.20.22
Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
What is the 988 Lifeline?
NEW! As of July 16, you can now call or text 988 to reach trained Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselors. You can also dial 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 

In 2020, Congress designated "988" as a new dialing code to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (800-273-8255) network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.

988 is meant to be used for mental health emergencies, in the same way that 911 is used for other emergencies.

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it’s a 24/7, free and confidential direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress such as thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Spread the word today!

Learn more about the
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Questions about Monkeypox?

The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts public health staff is working with partners to monitor the global monkeypox outbreak and provide information to our residents. 


What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, an orthopox virus which belongs to the same group of viruses as smallpox. The virus causes a distinctive rash. 

A monkeypox rash may initially appear similar to pimples, blisters, or raised bumps that appear on the face, hands or other parts of the body, and may be accompanied by fever and chills. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks, is usually self-limited, and is rarely fatal. If you are concerned that you have a rash that may be monkeypox, please contact your healthcare professional. Close contacts to someone who has been diagnosed with the virus should contact their local health department, even if they don’t have symptoms.


How is monkeypox spread?
What is being done about the spread of monkeypox in Virginia?
What do you need to know about your risk?
RCAHD COVID-19 Situation Update
07/19/22
Our weekly RCAHD COVID-19 activity is currently at a high but stable level, however our hospitalizations are up significantly this week.

According to the CDC COVID-19 Community Transmission tracker, Alleghany, Covington, Craig and Salem are in medium transmission while Botetourt, Roanoke City and Roanoke County are currently in high transmission. Residents of areas in high transmission should consider masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Wondering if your iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test can be used past the expiration date?

In many cases, the answer is YES! Use this link to check if your self-test is still usable by looking up the new expiration date by lot number on the box.