Rappahannock Area Health District

Fredericksburg

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

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

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.

Go to Rappahannock health officials urge residents to make wellness a priority in 2026 Read more
Fredericksburg

Rappahannock Area Health District reports rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks

By Uriah Kiser

“Since August, RAHD has investigated three separate outbreaks at both child daycare facilities and elementary schools across the district,” the Rappahannock Area Health District announced. “The Virginia Department of Health is seeing an increase in HFMD emergency department and urgent care visits, as well as an increase in reported HFMD outbreaks across the state in 2025.”

“While seen frequently this time of year, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can be very distressing to both child and parent,” said Dr. David Rose, Interim Health Director for RAHD. “It is able to spread quickly, especially in group settings such as daycares and schools, and so it is important for parents to keep their children home while sick.”

Go to Rappahannock Area Health District reports rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks Read more
Fredericksburg

Health Dept., Hospital Seek Community Input for Health Assessment

By Teresa Davidson

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.

Go to Health Dept., Hospital Seek Community Input for Health Assessment Read more
Fredericksburg

Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Announce Launch of 2025 Community Health Assessment

By Aya Karouane

The Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare are launching the 2025 Community Health Assessment for Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford counties, and Fredericksburg, building on their 2022 collaboration. The Community Health Assessment will explore various social drivers of health and will include kickoff meetings across the region to gather community input.

Press Release:

Go to Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare Announce Launch of 2025 Community Health Assessment Read more
Fairfax

Health notes: Play4Kay Pink Game, new imaging center opens, RAHD honored

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Cancer survivors at the 2023 Play4Kay Pink Game at GMU.

Sentara sponsors Play4Kay Pink Game

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) is set to sponsor the George Mason University women’s basketball Play4Kay Pink Game for the fifth consecutive year. The event, part of the #Play4Kay initiative by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, aims to combat cancers affecting women. The GMU women’s basketball team will face Saint Joseph’s University at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, February 8, with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Sentara, the game includes activities to raise awareness and celebrate female cancer survivors.

Go to Health notes: Play4Kay Pink Game, new imaging center opens, RAHD honored Read more