The George Mason University Patriots women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 76-66 victory over the University of Massachusetts during the annual #Play4Kay Pink Game at EagleBank Arena on Sunday, February 16. The event, sponsored for the sixth consecutive year by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC), brought together fans, survivors, and medical professionals to raise awareness of women’s cancers and honor those affected by breast cancer.
A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard
With 2,679 fans in attendance, the energy inside EagleBank Arena was electric, as the Patriots not only continued their strong season—now boasting 20+ wins and a second-place standing in the Atlantic 10 Conference—but also played for a cause that extends far beyond basketball.
Before the game, Sentara’s Cancer Network Resource Center hosted a special reception to celebrate breast cancer survivors. Bernadette Soliday, one of the honorees, shared her powerful story of perseverance and support.
“An important thing that I learned through my journey is that there is an army of people behind you to get you through a cancer experience,” said Soliday. “It’s the doctors, the nurses, the nurse navigators, your family, your friends, and community groups that provide supplies and emotional support. I want to say thank you to all of them for standing by us during such a challenging time.”
Supporting Survivors Beyond the Game
Sentara’s Breast Cancer Nurse Navigation Program was critical in Soliday’s journey, guiding diagnosis through recovery. She credited the program for its continued support, even beyond active treatment, as she found solace in joining Sentara’s breast cancer support group.
“It’s a wonderfully diverse and supportive group of women,” Soliday shared. “We’ve all had different diagnoses and treatment paths, but we understand each other and share that support.”
The Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center provides a variety of resources and support for those diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers, and those seeking information about cancer prevention.
“We could not be prouder to be part of the national Play4Kay initiative to raise awareness of cancers affecting women and to honor brave cancer survivors at all points in their journeys,” said Jeff Joyner, president of SNVMC. “Our multidisciplinary team at the Sentara Northern Virginia Comprehensive Breast Center brings together experts and technology to create personalized care plans for each patient.”
The Pink Game is part of the national Play4Kay initiative, named after legendary Hall of Fame Coach Kay Yow. Yow, who battled breast cancer herself, envisioned Play4Kay as a way to unite communities in the fight against cancers affecting women. The initiative continues her legacy by bringing together players, coaches, officials, and fans to support a cause that transcends sports.
Sentara medical experts stress the importance of routine mammograms as one of the most effective methods for early breast cancer detection.
Sentara Lake Ridge, a standalone emergency facility, is now accepting ambulance patients as of February 4, 2025, expanding emergency medical access in eastern Prince William County. Previously, emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles were required to take patients to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center.
This expansion aims to address the region’s growing healthcare needs and alleviate pressure on SNVMC’s emergency department, which treated over 50,000 patients in 2024. SLR, which served more than 23,600 walk-in patients last year, has invested in staff training and medical equipment to support this transition.
More in a press release:
Sentara Lake Ridge (SLR), a standalone emergency facility on Minnieville Road in the Lake Ridge community of Woodbridge, is now accepting patients via ambulance, expanding access to high-quality emergency medical care for residents in eastern Prince William County.
The new service began on February 4, 2025, and is designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community while continuing Sentara’s established partnership with Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.
“We’re experiencing growth in this part of Prince William County and the demand for timely and efficient emergency care has never been greater,” said SNVMC President Jeff Joyner. “Expanding access to our stand-alone emergency department, Sentara Lake Ridge, helps alleviate the burden on the emergency department at our main medical center campus while ensuring patients receive prompt medical attention.”
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) opened the Sentara Lake Ridge ambulatory emergency department in 2012 to help meet growing demands for emergency care services in Prince William County beyond the emergency department on the SNVMC campus on Opitz Blvd.
In 2024, SLR served more than 23,600 people who came to the facility for care on their own. Up until now, emergency medical service vehicles were not authorized to bring patients to this location but would take patients to the SNVMC emergency department.
SNVMC is a Level III Trauma Center and cared for more than 50,000 people in 2024.
“The ability for EMS personnel to bring patients to SLR via ambulance provides greater options for this growing community,” said Battalion Chief Robert Moreau of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.
To support this initiative, Sentara has made key investments, including acquisition of additional medical equipment, enhancing staff training to ensure seamless patient care, and strengthening relationships with Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue personnel.
“By welcoming ambulance patients, we are taking an important step toward improving timely access to emergency care within our expanding community in Prince William County and supporting our local first responders,” noted Joyner.
As bird flu cases continue to rise in the U.S., UVA Health infectious diseases expert Dr. Patrick Jackson provided insights into the latest developments and potential risks during a media briefing. With over 60 confirmed human cases nationwide and recent detections in birds across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, concerns about the virus's spread have resurfaced.
Jackson reassured the public that while the presence of bird flu in Virginia is noteworthy, it does not significantly change the risk level for humans. “We've known for a long time that H5N1 influenza, in its current strain, is widely distributed in wild bird populations,” he said. “The fact that it’s been detected in poultry operations in Virginia was something we expected to happen sooner or later.”
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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.
Learn how this community-built hospital has evolved with transformative investments, including freestanding emergency rooms, a cardiovascular surgery center, and cutting-edge AI technology.
From its roots as Potomac Hospital to its role today as a leader in local healthcare, Sentara continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of serving the community. Whether you’re curious about the future of healthcare or want to hear how the hospital has remained a vital part of Northern Virginia, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Topics Covered:
- Sentara’s deep community ties and history
- The hospital’s recent investments and expansions
- How AI and technology are transforming healthcare
- Exciting plans for the future
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon on YouTube to stay updated on the latest local news and interviews! Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter if you haven’t already done so. Thank you
Press release:
 The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) invite community members aged 15 and older to take a quick, anonymous survey about important health issues. The survey is open to those who live in the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Orange, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland counties.
“This is a great opportunity for community members to make their voices heard about the biggest health issues facing our area,” said RAHD Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. “We use this feedback to guide decisions about programs and services that are prioritized in our area. The results are taken very seriously by the health department, the healthcare system, and many other community-based organizations.”
The survey can be completed in English at https://redcap.link/CHAsurvey_PD16, or in Spanish at https://redcap.link/CHAencuesta_PD16 . Questions ask respondents to share their thoughts on the biggest health concerns facing the community as well as the greatest opportunities for health improvements. Demographic information is requested to ensure responses from different groups and geographic areas, but no identifiable information is requested. Upon completion of the survey, respondents will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for one of 20 $25 gift cards.
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Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has announced the launch of the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting patients in making full and lasting recoveries following cardiac events. The program is rooted in three essential components—exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy mindset—empowering patients to make informed choices that foster long-term health and well-being.
Designed to be both effective and sustainable, the Pritikin program incorporates a balanced diet that includes lean meats and fish as protein options, encouraging patients to explore flavorful, heart-healthy meals. Clinical dieticians guide participants in using spice blends and creative culinary techniques to make healthy eating enjoyable, ensuring adherence to the program's principles.
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Press Release:
Mary Washington Hospice hosted its seventh annual Light Up a Life Illumination event on Thursday, November 14. This special event allowed community members to purchase luminaries in their loved ones’ memory. Over 320 individuals were honored, and their names were read aloud by the hospice team during an intimate program at Mary Washington Hospital.
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Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at its medical centers to enhance visibility during trick-or-treating. Additionally, from October 27 to November 1, it will provide free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy, allowing parents to check for foreign objects.
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Potomac River Orthodontics, just off Hoadly Road in Woodbridge, is partnering with the nonprofit Smiles Change Lives to offer affordable orthodontic care to local children.
Press Release
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Mary Washington Hospital has successfully treated its first patient using the Impella RP Flex, a heart pump that temporarily supports patients in cardiogenic shock due to acute right heart failure. This technology allows blood to be drawn from the heart and propelled forward, facilitating recovery or further treatment options.
Press Release:
