Health - Potomac Local News

Dumfries Celebrates New Women’s Health Clinic

Published March 17, 2026 at 1:00PM

The Town of Dumfries celebrated the grand opening of First Care Women’s Health with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The nonprofit clinic expands free and confidential women’s health resources for Prince William County residents.

The clinic opened at Dumfries Town Hall to provide free pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasound, pre-abortion consultation, and supportive advocacy for women and families in the community. Supervisor Andrea Bailey and Yesli Vega, of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, Potomac District and Coles districts, respectively, joined Town of Dumfries officials at the event to highlight expanded local access to these resources.

ER Volumes Shift After Snowstorm

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2026 at 5:06PM

The emergency department at Sentara Northern Virignia Medical Center in Woodbridge.

Local hospitals across Prince William County and the Fredericksburg region remained operational during the January 25 winter storm, even as patient volumes and emergency room patterns shifted during and after the event.

Key Takeaways

Mary Washington Healthcare launches postpartum safety bracelet for new mothers

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 27, 2026 at 11:22AM

Mary Washington Healthcare is proud to announce the launch of a new postpartum safety initiative.[Submitted Photo].

The bracelets are intended to alert all healthcare providers—regardless of department—that a patient has recently given birth. This visual cue can help clinicians quickly recognize and respond to serious postpartum complications such as hemorrhage, preeclampsia, infection, or blood clots, which may present subtly outside of obstetric care settings.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality globally, contributing to an estimated 70,000 deaths each year. The program supports better communication and quicker intervention when mothers seek care after delivery.

New Blood Program Launched by Fire Rescue

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 27, 2026 at 11:20AM

Prince William County's Fire & Rescue System Engine 23. [Courtesy of PWCFRS]

Fire & Rescue officials said the program was developed in partnership with the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System and Inova Blood Donor Services. The initiative allows specially trained EMS supervisors to provide whole blood in the field, improving care for patients with severe bleeding before they reach a hospital.

Hospitals Warn of Severe Flu Surge as ERs Fill Across Northern Virginia

By Potomac Local News

Published January 10, 2026 at 3:00PM

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

Area hospitals are warning residents that a serious flu and respiratory illness surge is straining emergency departments across Northern Virginia, prompting health leaders to urge patients with mild to moderate symptoms to seek care outside hospital emergency rooms when possible.

Hospitals across Virginia and Northern Virginia are reporting a significant increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, putting pressure on emergency departments and extending wait times for patients.

Rappahannock health officials urge residents to make wellness a priority in 2026

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 6, 2026 at 8:00AM

As the New Year begins, the Rappahannock Area Health District is encouraging residents to take small, steady steps toward healthier living in 2026. The agency, which serves Fredericksburg and the surrounding region, shared a list of simple wellness habits and local health programs to help residents stick to their resolutions.

Interim Health Director Dr. David C. Rose emphasized starting with manageable goals. “Together, we can make 2026 a year of stronger bodies and calmer minds,” Rose said in a press release. Tips include getting at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly, eating more fruits and vegetables, prioritizing sleep and stress management, and keeping up with regular health screenings.

Puller Veterans Care Center opens in Vint Hill after years of delays

By Potomac Local News

Published December 18, 2025 at 9:45AM

“The words ‘thank you’ seem insufficient,” Prince William Times reported, quoting Gov. Glenn Youngkin at Tuesday’s grand opening. “For the sacrifices that each of you have made in order to preserve the freedoms and the liberties that we hold dear, that oftentimes we take for granted.”

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Inova Health Center–Woodbridge to Open Next Week Near Potomac Mills

By Potomac Local News

Published December 2, 2025 at 8:19PM

“Inova is expanding its health care operations in eastern Prince William County with a new outpatient health center near Potomac Mills,” InsideNoVa reported. “The Inova Health Center–Woodbridge – opening in the former Stratford University building – will welcome patients Dec. 9.”

“Hospital representatives said the facility is designed to bring a full range of coordinated services under one roof, making it easier for patients to access quality care in a single location.”

UVA Health opens expanded Specialty Care Manassas on Stonewall Road

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 10:55AM

UVA Health has officially opened its new multispecialty clinic, UVA Health Specialty Care Manassas, at 8691 Stonewall Road. The move brings together its former OB/GYN and urology practices — formerly located on Sudley Road and Forestwood Lane — under one modern roof.

That consolidation, which began taking patients on August 18, 2025, gives the Manassas community — and patients of UVA Health Prince William Medical Center — a more convenient, spacious, and coordinated outpatient experience.

Free flu shots offered at Metz Middle School on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 1, 2025 at 10:20AM | Updated November 1, 2025 at 11:48AM

Flu vaccines will be available for free this Saturday, November 1, at Metz Middle School in Manassas. The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9950 Wellington Road, and no appointment is necessary.

The event is open to anyone age three and older. Organizers will also offer $100 gift card giveaways throughout the day.