Health - Potomac Local News

Sentara to host free drive-thru flu shot clinic in Woodbridge

Published October 17, 2025 at 8:57AM

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical center sits at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will offer free flu shots during a drive-thru event on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The clinic will take place in the hospital’s main parking lot at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge. Adults 18 and older can receive their flu shot without leaving their vehicles.

The event runs rain or shine and is first-come, first-served while supplies last. No appointment is necessary. Sentara staff will be on-site to provide both standard flu vaccines and a limited number of Fluad high-dose shots for seniors age 65 and older.

Durant and Youngkin announce $5.5 million for Fredericksburg-area crisis care expansion

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 16, 2025 at 8:30AM

Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, Senator Tara Durante, and candidates Hung Cao and Derrick Anderson hosted a rally in Stafford.

Senator Tara Durant (R-27, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania) has teamed up with Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) to invest in mental health resources across Virginia. As part of the state’s “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, the partnership will fund new crisis receiving centers and stabilization units to give Virginians faster access to behavioral health services.

Locally, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will receive $5.5 million to enhance care in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Caroline counties. The funding will support the purchase of a new commercial property, relocation and modernization of the Sunshine Lady House adult stabilization unit in Fredericksburg, and the creation of new youth crisis care facilities. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new center is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, just off Route 1 near the Lee’s Hill Goodwill Donation Center, near Four Mile Fork.

UMW, Mary Washington Healthcare propose Fredericksburg-based medical school to address doctor shortage

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 15, 2025 at 6:00PM

Mary Washington Hospital

The University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare are joining forces to create what could become the Fredericksburg region’s first medical school — a plan leaders say would directly confront the area’s growing shortage of physicians and healthcare workers.

University President Dr. Troy Paino and Dr. Christopher Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, presented their proposal to the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, describing an ambitious vision for a community-based medical school that would train doctors to stay and practice in Virginia.

Prince William Health District Releases 2025 Greater Prince William Community Health Assessment (CHA) Report

By Press Release

Published September 26, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. — The Prince William Health District (PWHD) in collaboration with the Community Healthcare Coalition of Greater Prince William (Coalition) released its 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) report. The CHA is a comprehensive report that highlights the health status, needs, and strengths of Greater Prince William. This assessment includes a robust analysis of local health data and community perspectives captured through a health survey and community conversations.

Assessment findings emphasize the critical need for continued efforts in three key areas:

Mary Washington Healthcare CEO Presses for New Medical School, Avoids Media Questions

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 27, 2025 at 10:49AM

Mary Washington Healthcare Dr. Christopher Newman speaks at Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Event.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The future of healthcare in the Fredericksburg region took center stage Wednesday morning as two hospital leaders addressed growth, challenges, and innovation — including the possibility of Northern Virginia’s first medical school.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its “Regionalism Matters: State of Healthcare” forum at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The program featured Dr. Christopher Newman, President and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, and Ryan DeWeese, Chief Executive Officer of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

Chamber Forum To Spotlight Fredericksburg Healthcare, Medical School Proposal

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 26, 2025 at 1:15PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The future of healthcare in the Fredericksburg region takes center stage Wednesday morning as two hospital leaders address growth, challenges, and innovation — including the possibility of Northern Virginia’s first medical school.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its “Regionalism Matters: State of Healthcare” forum from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The discussion features Dr. Christopher Newman, president and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, and Ryan DeWeese, chief executive officer of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

OB/GYN and Urology Clinics Are Moving to a New Spot in Manassas—Here’s What That Means for You

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – UVA Health said it’s opening a new multispecialty clinic in Manassas. Starting Monday, August 18, patients can head to 8691 Stonewall Road for OB/GYN and urology care—all under one roof.

The move brings together two existing offices from Sudley Road and Forestwood Lane, giving patients a more convenient, upgraded space just minutes from UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. Appointments already scheduled will automatically shift to the new spot—no action needed from patients.

Virginia Marketplace Health Plans Could Jump 20% Next Year — One Insurer Wants 40%

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:41PM

[Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography/Unsplash]

Virginians who buy health insurance on the state’s marketplace could see big premium hikes in 2026, with most insurers proposing average increases of 20% or more — and one requesting twice that.

The State Corporation Commission says 10 insurers plan to sell individual marketplace plans in Virginia next year. Optimum Choice, Inc. has proposed the steepest average increase, 40.2%, according to SCC records. Rates in the small group market, which covers businesses with fewer than 50 workers, could rise an average of 11.2%.

New Heart & Vascular Center Opens in Woodbridge—A First for Northern Virginia

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2025 at 8:47AM

The Northern Virginia Heart & Vascular Center team who did the first procedure.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Sentara Health said they’ve teamed up with Carient Heart & Vascular and Polaris Heart & Vascular Clinic to open a brand-new outpatient cardiovascular center—something Northern Virginia has never seen before.

The Northern Virginia Heart & Vascular Center, located on Groupe Drive just three miles from Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, officially treated its first patient on July 24. It’s designed for people who need specific heart procedures but don’t require a hospital stay.

Future Healthcare Workers Get Hands-On Experience at Sentara Summer Camp

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 15, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 2:02PM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – At first glance, it looked like a typical hospital simulation: blinking mannequins, beeping monitors, and focused students practicing CPR and drawing blood. But for 14-year-old students like those in the room at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, it was a first glimpse into what a future career in medicine might look like.

Sixteen rising 8th and 9th graders from Prince William County Public Schools spent a week at the hospital as part of the Sentara Healthcare Career Camp, a free summer program designed to expose youth to the wide array of healthcare professions beyond just doctors and nurses.