November is Native American Heritage Month. The annual observance celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers, and settlers of the United States. As a nation, we honor the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and languages of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and Indigenous populations in the United States.
This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is observing Native American Heritage Month with the theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. This theme is about understanding how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) of racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN populations impact their overall health.
Mental Health America: National Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to celebrate the incredible dedication of family members who provide essential care for loved ones managing health challenges, including mental health conditions. This month, Mental Health America (MHA) wants to help ease the journey for caregivers by offering resources that promote both caregiver and care recipient well-being.
A nagging cough or slight wheeze may barely register in the course of our busy days, but it's critically important to pay attention to even mild symptoms. Sometimes people think having trouble breathing is just something that comes with getting older. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms as they could be the first signs of lung disease, including COPD, asthma and lung cancer. Knowing the early warning signs of lung disease can help you receive treatment before the disease becomes serious or even life threatening. If you experience any of the following warning signs, make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection could save your life.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month
As we approach the holiday season, take a moment to reflect on your health. Are you following a healthy meal plan? Are you exercising? Poor diet and lack of physical activity can lead to prediabetes. In Virginia, more than 900,000 of our neighbors are living with prediabetes. Pre-diabetes places you at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and serious health conditions.Such as heart disease, stroke, amputations, blindness, kidney disease, and dementia.
The CDC's "Four Steps to Food Safety" provides simple guidelines to help prevent food poisoning. These steps include: cleaning your hands and surfaces, separating raw foods to avoid cross-contamination, cooking to the proper temperature using a thermometer, and chilling leftovers promptly. By following these practices, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and keep your kitchen safe. Learn more on the CDC's website: Four Steps to Food Safety.
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month!
Join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and inform the public about the signs and symptoms and the healthy habits we can adopt to reduce our likelihood of developing the disease. Use the resources from the toolkit in your communications to help share information about Alzheimer’s disease.
Chances are, you know someone who has diabetes. It might even be you. Diabetes is one of the most common disorders in the U.S. It affects about 1 in 9 Americans. Diabetes raises your risk for serious health problems. It can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, set a weight-loss goal. Start by aiming to lose at least 5% of your current weight.
Get moving. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week.
Eat healthy. Find tips for healthy eating at www.myplate.gov.
Get support.CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) offers year-long programs nationwide. Participants work with a lifestyle coach in person or online to build healthy habits that last. It’s free to eligible participants. Find an NDPP near you.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is pleased to announce more than $7 million in federal funds for Fiscal Year 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This funding provides support for planning, training, target hardening, and physical security enhancements to eligible nonprofit organizations in the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has opened the application cycle for the FY 2024 Nonprofit Security Program – National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS).
Applications Open November 6, 2024 *
Applications Close December 13, 2024, 5:00 PM EDT
VDEM will host a series of pre-application webinars, see below for the next date:
For more information on how to prepare for the 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, you will find the 2024 NSGP guidance and information on our website. This will be instrumental in your preparation.
Don't let food poisoning crash your holiday celebrations.
With Thanksgiving approaching, make sure you know how to safely prepare turkey. There are steps you should take when storing, thawing, handling, and cooking turkey to prevent food poisoning.
This flyer from VDH shares the message, "Protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses." It details core prevention measures, additional prevention measures, what to do if you're sick, and how to get treatment.
Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention: Partner Resource Webinar Series
Defeating Diabetes: Awareness, Prevention, and Community Support
In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, we invite you to watch our recent VAP3 Partner Resource Session on November 21 at 6:00 PM. We’re grateful to have Nina Rodriguez, the Diabetes Program Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Health, present an informative session on diabetes, focusing on prediabetes and diabetes basics, prevention strategies, healthy eating and exercise, and available resources. This presentation will also touch on key statistics about the prevalence and financial impact of diabetes in Virginia.
This is a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of diabetes and how we can work together to support those at risk in our communities.
Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN): Your Health Can’t Wait, Vaccinate!
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from certain preventable diseases. Ensure you’re up to date on your vaccinations to protect yourself and avoid spreading illnesses to others. Learn more. Now is the time to review information on flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles.
National Rural Health Day is held on Nov. 21, 2024. American Hospital Association shines a light on the rural hospitals and health systems working tirelessly to provide local access. Rural hospitals have implemented bold new ideas and practices to continue providing quality care to patients and communities as they face daunting challenges. The AHA has created new resources to help rural hospitals and health systems address these challenges, including innovative solutions to expanding access to mental and physical health care, eliminating health inequities and disparities,
and more.
Hand Hygiene as a Family Activity
Handwashing is an easy, cheap, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep kids and adults healthy. When your family is healthy, you don’t have to worry about missing school, work, or other activities. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Handwashing can become a lifelong healthy habit if you start teaching it at an early age. Teach kids the five easy steps for handwashing—wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry—and the key times to wash hands, such as after using the bathroom or before eating.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is Saturday, November 23, 2024. Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivor Day. It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors.
CDC Updates 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
CDC now recommends people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive an additional dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation aims to provide continued protection for those who are at increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19.
On November 9th, 2024, the Chickahominy Baptist Association held a Health and Wellness Fair at Oak Knoll Middle School in Mechanicsville, VA. The event featured a blood drive, a Cancer Health Forum, and free community health screenings. Attendees enjoyed family-friendly activities, door prizes, and access to local health resources. The fair emphasized the importance of community wellness and cancer awareness, empowering participants with valuable knowledge and support.
On November 16, 2024, we attended Delegate Delores McQuinn’s Community Conversation on Destigmatizing Mental Health at New Bridge Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. The event featured mental health experts, resource vendors, and community leaders like Sheriff Alisa Gregory and Monica Lucas. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and accessing vital resources. This free event provided a welcoming space for education, dialogue, and refreshments.
Our team had the privilege of volunteering at the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway hosted by Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. We were honored to help provide support to families in need during this season of gratitude. The event brought the community together, ensuring that everyone had a warm meal to enjoy. It was a heartwarming experience to be part of such a meaningful initiative, and we are grateful to Saint Paul’s for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those they serve.
The Caregiver's Handbook
This guide is for anyone who provides care for family members or friends who need help with daily living. It focuses on the needs of older adults who require care because of a serious health condition or disability, but it could also apply to other situations in which caregiving is needed.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, as the pressure to be cheerful and the stress of celebrations can exacerbate mental health challenges. This fact sheet highlights the signs of mental illness and the "holiday blues," offering strategies for managing symptoms and seeking support during this often overwhelming time.
2-1-1 Virginia is a free service that can help you find the local resources you need. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text CONNECT to 247211, Message and data rates may apply
Virginia P3 recognizes that faith-based and community partners eagerly and actively step in to fulfill the needs of their community, especially during a crisis. As a result, we aim to equip our partners to respond to the present opioid health crisis with Opioid Response Toolkits.
Are you planning a community event? Would you like us to share your event flyer with the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention? Would you like to request support from VAP3 for your event? Please complete this request form.
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.
Your order of COVID tests is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping. Want to know when your tests are coming? Sign up to receive email alerts when you order!
Funding for programs that are designed to strengthen communities and solve local problems, including those found in rural and underserved areas. Funding priorities include serving historically underrepresented communities, environmental stewardship, services for veterans, access to youth mental health and substance abuse services, and civic bridgebuilding.
Emergent Fund is a national rapid response fund created to explicitly support Black, Indigenous and People of Color-led (BIPOC) social justice movements. Emergent Fund grantees are BIPOC organizers and directly impacted communities responding to the biggest crises of our time by boldly fighting to build the world we all deserve.
Emergent Fund is a rolling, monthly rapid response and emergent organizing grant for movement and frontline communities responding to urgent and specific unanticipated crises or opportunities to build power.
SBB Research Group Foundation awards up to $5,000 in grant funding to non-profit organizations in solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG) resolved to continue its support and engagement with nonprofit organizations by initiating its COVID-19 Grant Program, which helped to address the needs of organizations and communities affected by the pandemic. After two years of meaningful impact through this program, the Foundation is committed to continue supporting ambitious nonprofit organizations by providing monthly grants through the SBB Research Group Foundation Grant Program.
The DanPaul Foundation provides grant opportunities of up to $15,000 to nonprofit organizations for programs to help train teachers and parents in early childhood development, protect children from abuse and neglect, stimulate children's personal social responsibilities, and offer them opportunities for enrichment and growth.
Be Food Safe this Holiday Season
