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In this monthly issue:
Note: All PWHD offices and clinics will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
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While one in five people experience a mental health condition each year, every single one of us has a mind to take care of.
This May during Mental Health Awareness Month take time to check in on yourself and others. Mental health is a part of our well-being and taking care of it is just as important as physical health.
Here are a few ways to support your mental health:
⌛ Make time for rest and reflection even in small ways
🔋 Recharging ideas for mental rest🔋
- Slow down and breathe, even a 1 minute break can help
- Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 mins. look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Try a relaxation exercise
💚 Connect with a friend, family member, therapist, or support group
❓ Know when and where to reach out for help
Join or support local mental health initiatives:
Need support?
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Planning a summer getaway? Ensure your child is up to date on school-required vaccines before the new academic year. Virginia law mandates specific immunizations for students entering certain grades including:
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Kindergarten: 4 doses of DTap, 4 doses of Polio, 2 doses of Hepatitis A, 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 2 doses of MMR, and 2 doses of Varicella
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7th Grade: 1 dose each of Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV vaccines
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12th Grade: 1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine
Vaccines required for school are available, through your child's healthcare provider, pharmacy or local health department.
Virginia Vaccines for Children Program
No health insurance? No problem. Through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program, eligible kids can get the vaccines they need at no cost.
The Prince William Health District is proud to be a VVFC provider, contact us to learn more or find a provider near you.
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As pools, lakes, and splash pads begin to open up this season, it's a great time to raise awareness about drowning prevention and water safety.
Drowning
In the United States:
- More children ages 1–4 years die from drowning than any other cause.
- For children ages 5–14 years, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
- While children are at highest risk, anyone can drown.
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What You Can Do
Stay safe in and around the water:
- Make sure everyone has basic swimming and water safety skills.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets as directed.
- Designate a responsible adult to closely and constantly supervise children in or near the water.
- Know how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.
Help keep backyard pools safe:
- Prevent access to water when pool is not in use.
- Install and maintain barriers that fully enclose the pool and separate it from the house, like four-sided fencing.
- Use locks and alarms for windows and doors.
- Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use.
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Resources
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In Virginia, ticks are active year-round, but tick season generally peaks in May.
Keep in mind the following tips before heading outdoors:
👖 Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
✅ Use EPA-registered insect repellents
🌳 Stay on trails and avoid tall grasses
🔎 After outdoor activities, check your body and clothing for ticks
Resources
This identification chart from VDH has images and sizes of various ticks for easy identification. It also includes when ticks are active in Virginia as well as a chart of tick species and tick-borne diseases.
🎙️ Chart available in
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The CDC has developed a flyer to explain how ticks spread Lyme disease, how to prevent tick bites, and when to see a healthcare provider.
🎙️ Flyer available in
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Our Community Engagement team will be out in the community this month sharing resources, answering questions, and offering health information.
Where we'll be:
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Manassas Mall Health Resource Event
- Tuesday May 27, 2025
- 3:00 PM - 7: 00 PM
- Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109
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