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In this biweekly issue:

• Cervical Cancer Awareness: What You Should Know

• PWHD Grant Funding Opportunity
• Virginia Department of Health Internship Academy

• Radon Awareness Week 2024

• Home Test to Treat Program

• This Winter Season: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

• Join Our Team!

Cervical Cancer Awareness: What You Should Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30.

Did you know?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.

Let's Talk Prevention

Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Reduce Cervical Cancer Risk

• See your doctor regularly for a Pap and/or HPV test.
• Worried about screening test cost? Women who are uninsured, and low-income are eligible to access cervical cancer screening services through the Every Woman’s Life (EWL).
• Follow up with your doctor if your cervical cancer screening test results are not normal.
• Find support to quit smoking.
• Get the HPV vaccine. It protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. The vaccine is given in a series of either two or three shots, depending on age.   It is important to note that even women who are vaccinated against HPV need to have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.

Learn More

PWHD Grant Funding Opportunity

⭐Exciting news! The Prince William Health District is now offering grants to community based nonprofit organizations (CBOs). This grant aims to fund innovative strategies that ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. 

CBOs may qualify if:  There is an established history of serving in Prince William County and/or the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.  There is a demonstrated reach into communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.  Your organization has experience collaborating with community partners, entities, and organizations to help improve health outcomes.  Your organization understands and can work within a reimbursement model.

Maximum awards will be $95,000 per organization. *If your organization receives more than $750,000 in federal grant funds, it may be subject to an IRS single audit. 

📅 The proposal acceptance period for round 1 awards ends on February 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. 

Don't miss this chance to apply or share with a community based nonprofit organization that may benefit from this grant. Please note restrictions may apply, check out our webpage for more details. 

✅ The VDH Internship Academy is a structured 10-week program that allows current or recent students to explore what it is like to work at VDH. Interns will work directly within a program area or at a local health department on projects where they'll be immersed as part of the team. 

✅ The VDH Internship Academy website and application are now live.

✅ Applications will open on Friday, December 22, 2023, and will close January 31, 2024. ✅Applicants accepted into the Academy should expect to hear back by early March 2024. 

Lung cancer deaths from radon exposure are preventable if more people take action to reduce radon levels in homes, building, and schools. Raising awareness about radon saves lives. Spread the word for #RadonAwarenessWeek 

Ensure your home is radon free - the only way to know is by testing! Grab your $3 radon home test kit today. 

Home Test to Treat Program

This national program provides free telehealth, testing, and treatment for COVID-19 and flu. The Home Test to Treat program provides access to free COVID-19 and flu telehealth visits and treatment for anyone who tests positive for either condition. Treatment can be shipped to you or picked up at a local pharmacy at no cost for those eligible.

Individuals who are uninsured, enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, IHS, or VA Healthcare can sign up today and receive free at-home COVID19/flu tests even if they are not currently positive. Regardless of insurance status, anyone with a current positive COVID-19 test may enroll for free telehealth treatment.

Please share with your networks and via social media platforms to let your community know about this program! Flyers are available in English and Spanish. 

NIBIB supports Home Test to Treat through the RADx Tech program under contract #75N92022D00010 with additional support from CDC and ASPR.

This Winter Season: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Vaccines are available to help protect against severe illness and hospitalization caused by all three of the major fall and winter respiratory viruses – flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It targets the most common circulating variants for the 2023-2024 fall/winter season.

Flu Vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get the flu vaccine every year.

The COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine can be given at the same time, if eligible and timing coincides.

Learn more about the RSV immunizations for older adults, pregnant people, and infants. 

Join Our Team!

Nurse Practitioner  IT Specialist

VDH Information Center
1-877-VAX-IN-VA  |  1-877-829-4682  |  Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Contact the Prince William Health District 

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