RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter
04.17.24
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Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
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Finding Solutions to Improve Reproductive Health:
STI Awareness Week April 15-19
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In recent years, cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) locally and across the country have been increasing. Talking about STIs decreases STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination. Infections can follow an individual until treated. Some STIs have few or no symptoms. Most infections are curable; all are treatable. Call us to make an appointment for screening at 540-283-5050.
Sometimes public health efforts operate like a loudspeaker, serving large areas of the community at once, such as with our work to protect drinking water or to respond to emergencies. However, when it comes to reproductive health, our local public health efforts usually operate more like a cell phone, serving one resident at a time with confidential one-on-one education or clinical services.
The Virginia Department of Health is committed to ensuring that all Virginians have access to reproductive health services. Our seven Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) locations offer reproductive health services to all district residents, including confidential counseling, routine checkups, prevention services, testing, treatment, and partner referrals.
We employ a clinical team of nurses, doctors, physician assistants, and skilled support staff who work together to provide a range of services to keep both adults and teens healthy. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality for our clients in a non-judgmental environment is a strong priority. We accept most insurances and offer a sliding scale with free services for those who qualify based on income.
Recently there has been a concerning rise in STIs across the country, including in our own districts. According to the CDC, rates of three common STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) continue to increase, including in rural settings such as ours. Nationwide, half (49.8%) of reported STI cases in 2022 were among teens and young adults aged 15–24 years. Because of increasing syphilis cases in Virginia, VDH has made syphilis prevention and treatment a priority with a newly established syphilis webpage and data dashboard.
It is essential that individuals protect themselves from STIs because such infections may cause serious health problems when left untreated. Fortunately, we have the tools to change this trend. Because STIs often do not show symptoms, screening is one of the important tools to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we know that evidence-based sexual health education can have a positive impact by:
- delaying the initiation of sexual intercourse,
- reducing the number of sexual partners, and
- increasing the use of safer sex practices, including condom use.
RCAHD is doing its part to improve access to good quality education about reproductive health education, including education about STIs. RCAHD staff have increased outreach visits during the school year to community colleges such as Virginia Western in Roanoke and Mountain Gateway in Clifton Forge to better connect students with public health and other partner services in the community.
RCAHD is committed to ensuring access to the services we provide. In our more rural areas, residents may have fewer providers to choose from and are likely to face more geographic challenges with transportation. Increasingly, we are encouraged to see many of our healthcare partners use telehealth services as a practical solution to decrease barriers to health care access. We also recognize that in smaller rural communities, our health department staff often know their patients, not just as patients, but as neighbors and friends, and in some cases even as relatives. Please be assured that the privacy and confidentiality of every person we serve is of paramount importance to our team...
What can help reduce the rates of STIs in our communities?
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With early diagnosis and follow up, most STIs are curable and all are treatable.
- What are the symptoms of STIs? (59sec)
- Does a pap smear test for STIs? (59sec)
- Do asymptomatic STIs need to be treated? (59sec)
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Fight the Bite!
After our warmer than usual winter, we are seeing that the "biting" season that typically starts in late spring is already underway! As temperatures warm up, so does the activity of mosquitos and ticks.
In recent years, we have seen an increase in local Lyme disease cases. In 2023, the number of reported RCAHD Lyme disease cases (91 cases) increased more than 50% over 2022 (58 cases).*
We are also seeing increases in acquired red meat allergies, sometimes referred to as "alpha-gal syndrome, " also caused by ticks. In addition to Lyme disease and alpha-gal, RCAHD routinely receives reports of other tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis.
*The Lyme disease case definition changed in 2022, resulting in a reclassification of Virginia cases that may not have been captured prior to 2022.
Before going outside:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent
- Treat clothes and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin
- Stick to the path and avoid brushy areas
- Prevent ticks on pets
While we have over 60 different types of mosquitos in Virginia, the Asian Tiger mosquito is one of the most common. West Nile virus is the leading cause of locally-acquired, mosquito-borne infection in Virginia. Reduce the places where mosquitos can breed and find a home near you. Tip and toss any standing water in your yard. More from VDH: FAQs about Mosquitos
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Live Well Alleghany Highlands
2024 Community Health Assessment
On April 9, representatives of Alleghany Highlands organizations gathered for a data review in Covington as part of the Community Health Assessment (CHA). The CHA is an overview of the community's health needs for residents of the City of Covington and Alleghany County.
In addition to RCAHD staff, participants included: Alleghany Highlands Community Services, The Alleghany Foundation, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, LewisGale Alleghany, Alleghany YMCA, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, City of Covington, Safehome, Recover Virginia, and Bath Community Hospital.
Next steps in upcoming months will include prioritizing the health concerns that are identified, then the participating organizations will work together to establish action plans for how to address them.
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Come Work With Us!
Help improve your community's well-being! Join the RCAHD public health team:
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Family Nutrition: Spring Into Season
Virginia's Family Nutrition Program Eat Smart Move More Virginia has improved nutrition goals and healthy, low-cost recipes reviewed by nutrition educators, including this budget-friendly, springtime recipe:
A high-protein side dish (9g of protein per serving) that would work well for picnics, and would be a great use for those beautiful farmers market vegetables coming into season!
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