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April is packed with spring showers but also with opportunities to improve your health and community! National Park Week (April 19-27), Earth Day (April 22), and Volunteer Week (April 20-26) reminds us that spending time outdoors and giving back can benefit our well-being.
Whether it's walking at the park, joining an Earth Day cleanup or volunteering in the community, these actions promote a healthier you and a healthier planet. Fresh air, movement, and service can all contribute to lower stress and improve mental and physical health.
Explore Parks & Recreation:
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Volunteering is a powerful way to support public health, and our Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is always looking for motivated individuals to join! The MRC is a group of trained volunteers both with and without medical backgrounds who assist in emergencies, health initiatives, and community outreach.
Whether it's helping at vaccination clinics, supporting disaster response or exercises and educating the community, MRC volunteers play a vital role in keeping our community safe and healthy.
No medical experience? No problem! There are plenty of ways to contribute.
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 It's National Public Health Week (NPHW)! This week is an opportunity to recognize the work that keeps our communities healthy.
Small actions make a big impact
Public health is everywhere, it includes but is not limited to disease prevention, clean air and water, nutrition support, and community wellness. This year's theme is "It Starts Here". Public health starts with the people who serve you.
A thank you to our office support specialists, public health nurses and practitioners, environmental health specialists, outreach workers, WIC staff and nutritionists, EP&R, business, and population health staff, and epidemiologists who work every day to make our community safer and healthier.
Listed below are the essential services we provide to help you, and your loved ones stay healthy:
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Planning a trip for spring break or summer vacation? Make sure measles doesn't come along for the ride!
Measles isn't just a little rash. It is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause serious complications, especially in young children.
The best protection is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses provide lifelong immunity for most people. If you're travelling international, check that everyone in your family is up to date on their MMR shots. Measles is still common in many countries, and cases in the U.S. often come from travelers who bring it back. If you are unsure about your vaccination status, check your immunization record and protect your health!
If you or a loved one develops any of the following signs or symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a red rash, contact a healthcare provider right away and avoid contact with others.
Resources
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During STI Awareness Month, and STI Awareness Week (April 13-19), let's dedicate time to focus on preventing and learning more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. STIs are common, but they are also preventable and treatable. Many people have no symptoms, so regular testing is important.
Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Partner(s) from STIs
1. Use condoms correctly and other prevention tools including PrEP, and doxy PEP. Talk to a healthcare provider about which options are best for you.
2. Get tested regularly. Our clinics offer low to cost testing options!
3. Have open conversations about sexual health.
 National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD): April 10
Talking about HIV prevention is important because it works! According to the latest CDC data, 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses occurs in young people aged 13-24.
We can all support HIV prevention by knowing our status, and having honest conversations with family, friends, partners, community, and health care providers.
Resources
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Yes Means Test - Find Free, Fast, and Confidential Testing Near You!
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VDH Resource Connections - Connect to HIV, STI, and other related services you may need.
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PWHD HIV Infographic - Learn about new HIV infection rates in the Greater Prince William area, facts, and prevention strategies in English and Spanish.
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Own Your Health STI Brochure - Learn more about how to protect yourself and your partner(s) from STIs, what to do if you test positive, types of STIs, STI facts, and HPV vaccination.
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