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.
“A lot of young people, when they think of a career in medicine… they think, oh, yeah, there’s a doctor and there’s a nurse,” said Jon Radulovic, spokesman for the hospital. “But in actuality, there are careers that span the whole hospital.”
Throughout the week, students rotated through departments such as imaging, respiratory care, surgery, heart and vascular, and pharmacy. In the simulation lab, they practiced drawing blood from prosthetic arms, learned how to detect stroke symptoms, and suited up in full PPE to learn about infection prevention.
“The coolest thing is they have a simulation lab, and they have these mannequins that are really realistic,” said 14-year-old Afomia Asfaw, who will attend Osbourn Park High School in the fall. “One of the mannequins, they blinked, and I got scared.”
The students came from schools across the county, including Rippon Middle School, Marsteller Middle School, and Potomac High School. Many were drawn to the program by personal experiences with family in the medical field.
“My mom had a stroke,” said 13-year-old Christopher Brown II, a rising eighth grader at Marsteller Middle School. “So I wanted to learn more about the medical field and how to look for stuff at home, like symptoms of different sicknesses.”
Lorraine Gyamfi, 13, who also attended Rippon Middle School and is headed to Osbourn Park, said her sister’s experience inspired her in the school’s biomedical program.
“Originally, I just always wanted to be a doctor because it’s very interesting, like how the hospital works and stuff like that,” she said. “That made me want to go there, and also for the nursing program later on in high school.”
The camp was first launched at Sentara hospitals in 2023 in response to a growing concern about the shortage of healthcare workers following the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second summer the program has been hosted in Woodbridge, part of a broader effort to encourage students—especially those who may have limited exposure to the healthcare system—to consider careers in science, technology, and medicine.
“We’re looking down the road—by 2036, there are going to be millions of vacancies for healthcare providers,” said Radulovic. “Who’s going to be taking care of us when we’re going to need a lot of that care?”
Each day started with breakfast in the hospital’s conference center, followed by a full day of learning and exploration. By Friday afternoon, students were ready to present what they had learned during a graduation ceremony with their families.
For Aleah Cody, 14, who’s headed to Potomac High School, the week opened her eyes to the many options available in medicine.
“I know I want to do something in the medical field,” she said. “Right now, I think anesthesiology is what I want to do, but I’m still deciding.”
STAFFORD, Va. – A fake water advisory notice found on residents’ doors in north Stafford has prompted concern and an investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
County officials confirmed there is no water advisory in effect, and the posted notices are fraudulent. The bogus alerts appeared on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and falsely claimed a water advisory was in place.
Stafford County Utilities responded quickly, urging customers to ignore the notices and reassuring them that official messages will only come via press releases, social media, or the county website. When necessary, real door hangers used by the county include the Stafford County logo and the Utilities Customer Service number.
The incident follows a real boil water advisory in Richmond, where thousands of residents were affected due to pressure loss at the city’s water treatment plant. That advisory ran from May 27 to May 29 and impacted several neighborhoods, including The Fan and Carytown.
While Richmond’s advisory was legitimate, Stafford officials clarified that there are no such issues locally. Investigators are looking into whether the fake notices in Stafford were meant to stir fear following media reports of Richmond’s situation.
“We take the posting of fake water advisories very seriously,” county officials said in a statement. “Residents who receive the notices are asked to call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (540) 658-4400 to report the incident.”
So far, the fake notices have only been found in the north Stafford area.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has launched a new virtual nursing program that’s already changing how nurses care for patients—and how patients experience care.
The hospital’s Virtual Registered Nursing (VRN) Program allows experienced nurses to connect with patients through 50-inch screens in hospital rooms, handling admissions, discharges, and patient education remotely. The goal: give bedside nurses more time to focus on hands-on care, while still ensuring patients get one-on-one attention.
“The virtual nurse can come into the room through the web camera and the large televisions that we put up,” said Brooke Phelps, Director of Nursing and Patient Care Services. “They can really spend that time with [patients] one-on-one to develop those relationships and improve that patient experience.”
The program, already rolled out at other Sentara hospitals, began at the Woodbridge-based center on May 13. In less than a week, staff completed 55 virtual nurse sessions, saving over nine hours of time for bedside nurses.
Chief Nursing Officer Christy Grabus described the VRN sessions as surprisingly personal.
“The one word [a patient] said that was just amazing to me was… ‘This was so personable,’” said Grabus. “There was no interruption, and I really felt like I was the center of attention.”
The system also allows caregivers to participate remotely, a feature that could be especially helpful for families who live far from the hospital.
“We can arrange it so when we schedule your education sessions, we can have your daughter actually link in… she doesn’t even have to physically come in,” said Grabus.
During a Potomac Local News Podcast interview, Grabus and Phelps shared how the technology not only improves care but also helps recruit and retain nursing talent by offering less physically demanding roles for experienced nurses.
“This is a very physically demanding job,” said Grabus. “Think about being able to still work… even though you may not be physically capable to be out there in a hospital setting.”
Watch the full conversation in the embedded Potomac Local News Podcast episode to hear more about how this innovation is reshaping healthcare in Northern Virginia.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mary Washington Hospital has installed a new antenna system to help first responders communicate more clearly when responding to emergencies inside the hospital.
According to a press release from Mary Washington Healthcare, the hospital’s new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) cost $268,000 and is designed to boost radio signals throughout the hospital, improving communication in areas where coverage is typically poor. Hospitals, with their thick walls and complex layouts, are some of the toughest places for emergency radios to work correctly.
Fredericksburg Fire Chief Michael Jones said the upgrade will help improve response times and safety for first responders, hospital staff, patients, and visitors. “The DAS installation at Mary Washington Hospital is a significant step forward in enhancing our ability to respond effectively in emergencies,” Jones said in the release.
Mary Washington Healthcare’s Chief Strategy Officer Eric Fletcher said the upgrade reflects the hospital’s commitment to keeping everyone safe. “The DAS system is a crucial enhancement that will support first responders and our doctors, nurses, techs, and supporting team to ensure seamless communication within our hospital,” Fletcher said.
The hospital said it remains dedicated to investing in technologies that support public safety and improve community care.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Health officials have confirmed a raccoon found near the 7000 block of Stubbs Bridge Road in Spotsylvania County tested positive for rabies, according to the Rappahannock Area Health District.
Anyone who may have had contact with the animal is urged to seek medical care right away and contact the Spotsylvania County Health Department at 540-507-7386. Pet owners concerned their animal may have been exposed should call their veterinarian and contact either the Health Department or Spotsylvania County Animal Control at 540-507-7549.
Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the nervous system and can affect any mammal, including humans. It spreads through the saliva or brain tissue of infected animals, typically through bites or by getting infected fluids into a wound, eyes, or mouth. Vaccination is the best protection for pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Virginia law requires all dogs and cats aged four months and older to be vaccinated for rabies and to keep those vaccinations up to date. Health officials remind residents to:
- Avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.
- Report animal bites or unusual behavior to Animal Control at 540-507-7549.
- Vaccinate pets and keep their shots current.
- Call a doctor or the health department if you are exposed, or contact a veterinarian and Animal Control if your pet is exposed.
For more information, visit the Rabies Fact Sheet or the Rappahannock Area Health District’s rabies control page.
As Memorial Day approaches, local officials are ramping up safety efforts at Lake Anna in response to last summer’s E. coli outbreak that left two dozen people sick—most of them children.
In the summer of 2024, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported a total of 25 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections associated with Lake Anna. The majority of these cases occurred among children under 18 years old. Five of the affected children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication requiring hospitalization.
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DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood invited the community to join him for a workout event just days after the unexpected death of his younger brother, 37-year-old Darron Smith.
Smith passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Mayor Wood described his brother as someone born for greatness—sharing a birthday with Super Bowl legend Doug Williams—and a constant presence in his life. “We shared so many moments side by side—from family to food trucks to faith,” Wood wrote. “And now my heart is broken.”
Despite the grief, the mayor channeled his pain into purpose, encouraging residents to come together for an event he called Move with the Mayor, held Monday evening at Ginn Memorial Park. Due to severe storms in the area and widespread power outages, the event was moved indoors, but that didn’t stop the community from showing up to support and heal together.
The session featured workouts led by SOS Fit trainers Coach Freddy, Coach B, and Coach D. “Let’s move together. Let’s heal together,” Wood said in his invitation. “Whether you’re coming to sweat, breathe, or simply stand in solidarity—you belong here.”
The event took place at 7 p.m. at 3800 Graham Park Road.
Virginia health officials have confirmed the first measles case of 2025, reported in a child from the Northwest Region who had recently traveled internationally. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease, including individuals who visited two medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges residents, particularly those in these areas, to check their vaccination status and seek the MMR vaccine if needed. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination remains the best defense against the disease.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 19, 2025
Virginia Health Officials Confirm First 2025 Measles Case in the State
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H. “Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed.”
Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:
Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center, Advanced Urgent Care, located at 13285 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge on Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center, Pediatrics Department, located at 1201 Hospital Drive in Fredericksburg on Wednesday, April 16 from noon to 5 p.m.
What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.
Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.
To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email [email protected] or contact your local health department.
For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles
Rep. Eugene Vindman, a Virginia Democrat and former whistleblower, criticized President Donald Trump’s second term, calling its first 45 days an “abomination” during an MSNBC appearance. In response, the White House issued a scathing statement, dismissing Vindman’s remarks as “moronic” and accusing him of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” (The Center Square)
VA Facility Opens with Questions about Staffing
A new 470,000-square-foot Veterans Administration medical facility in Spotsylvania County, designed to serve over 40,000 veterans, opened with significant staffing shortages. Due to a federal hiring freeze enacted by President Trump’s executive order in January, between 70% and 80% of positions—excluding doctors and nurses—remain unfilled, raising concerns about the quality of care available to veterans in the region. (FXBG Advance)
Iconic Paperboy Statue ‘Lance’ Returns to Downtown Fredericksburg
The bronze statue “Lance,” symbolizing the historic role of newsboys and once stationed outside The Free Lance–Star newspaper’s downtown office, has been relocated back to its original area near The Publisher Hotel. After the newspaper’s move in 2016, Lance remained at the Central Park location until Mary Washington Healthcare facilitated its return, underscoring the community’s dedication to preserving local history.(Fredericksburg Free Press)
Stafford County Deputy Assists Mama Pig in Unusual Predicament
A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a call about a pig in distress and found a pregnant sow stuck in a muddy ditch. The deputy collaborated with local animal control to safely rescue the pig, showcasing the department’s commitment to all community members, human and animal alike. (InsideNoVa)
Residents of Prince William County and surrounding areas now have access to the latest in medical imaging technology, thanks to a major investment by UVA Prince William Medical Center. The hospital has introduced a new state-of-the-art MRI system that promises faster scan times, enhanced image quality, and an improved patient experience.
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is crucial in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, from orthopedic injuries to neurological disorders and cancer. According to Donna Staton, Chief Operations Officer for UVA Community Health, the demand for MRI services has seen double-digit growth in recent years, driven by population increases and expanded specialty care offerings at the hospital.
