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Building Health Literacy Awareness
October is Health Literacy Month – a time when health organizations, literacy programs, libraries, social service agencies, businesses, government agencies, and other groups work together to integrate and expand the mission of health literacy.
Health literacy affects us all, and improving your own health literacy empowers you to take better care of your health and make informed decisions for yourself and loved ones.
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Personal health literacy is the ability to read, understand and use information about your health.
For example, it can mean knowing how to read and follow instructions on medicine labels, make healthy food choices, and understand what your doctor tells you.
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Organizational health literacy is about how well healthcare organizations, like hospitals and clinics, make it easy for people to understand and use their services.
For example, this can be providing clear information, using plain language and having support.
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Improve Health Literacy
#PersonalTip: Ask Questions!
Always ask your healthcare provider questions about any health concerns you may have. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification about something you do not understand.
#OrganizationalTip:
Create and provide information and services people can understand and use most effectively with the skills they have. For example, offering resources in many languages can provide multilingual support, and help people understand and act on the health information given.
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World Food Day 2023
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Every year on October 16, World Food Day is observed. It marks the founding of the United Nation's Food & Agriculture organization (FAO) back in 1945.This year's theme, Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind, highlights how water is vital to our lives on Earth.
Did you know water covers the majority of the Earth's surface, makes up over 50% of our bodies, produces our food, and supports livelihoods.
What we eat, and how that food is produced all affect water. This day serves as a way to learn about how we can take water action!
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Experiencing abuse is harmful and overwhelming. This Domestic Violence Awareness month remember if you have concerns about your relationships, you are not alone.
Hotline services are free, confidential, and available 24/7:
Hotline services in Spanish are available.
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Get Vaccinated This Fall!
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Severe Illness.
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2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated vaccine if it has been at least 2 months since their most recent vaccine. It targets the most common circulating variants for this fall/winter season.
Flu Vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get the flu vaccine every year. The CDC recommends getting your flu vaccine by the end of October.
The flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time, if eligible and timing coincides. Available at pharmacies, healthcare provider(s) or your local health department.
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Closure Announcement
This Friday October 20, 2023, our Health District offices and clinics will be closed for an all-staff training. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday October 23, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.
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Come See Us at These Community Events!
Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seals on Wheels at Chinn Park Regional Library
13065 Chinn Park Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Saturday, October 21st from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
CASA Fall Festival at the Woodbridge Welcome Center
2359 Research Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Saturday, October 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Community Outreach Fair at Freedom High School
15201 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seals on Wheels at Montclair Library
5049 Waterway Dr, Dumfries, VA 22025
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