 
September is National Preparedness Month!
 This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is Preparedness Starts at Home. It is important to have a plan in place so you can be better prepared to help yourself, your community, and your neighbors. We are asking people to take four key actions to prepare for any disaster they may face:
- Know the different types of emergencies that could happen and appropriate responses to stay safe.
- Make a family emergency plan.
- Build an emergency supply kit.
- Get involved in their community by taking action to prepare for emergencies
For more information and to access the entire partner toolkit: CLICK HERE
When preparing at home, it is important to consider the unique needs of those you or your family care for in your home on a daily basis.
For further guidance on home preparedness for individuals with disabilities: CLICK HERE
For further guidance on home preparedness for individuals with pets: CLICK HERE
Source: National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov
 Important Contacts
September 4 - September 30, 2025
You are cordially invited to attend the Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action Virtual Events on September 4-30, 2025!
In support of September’s National Preparedness Month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dedicates national weeks of action, encouraging faith-based and community organizations to safeguard people and places through partnerships with local emergency managers and first responders. The DHS Center for Faith in partnership with DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the DHS Office of Partnership and Engagement, and other federal partners are providing resources and engagement opportunities that assist places of worship in securing physical spaces and their community.
The 2025 weeks of action will include virtual workshops for faith and community organizations, and private sector institutions.
All events are closed press.
Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention:
Virginia Partner Resource Webinar Session
National Preparedness Month: Plan. Prepare. Protect.
Please join us for our upcoming Partner Resource Session featuring Adreania Tolliver, Emergency Preparedness Trainer and Training Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Health. This session will highlight the purpose of National Preparedness Month, the basics of Make a Plan, Make a Kit, Be Informed, and provide helpful resources and initiatives to support community preparedness.
Adreania is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force with over 28 years of experience as a Certified Master Trainer and Curriculum Developer in healthcare, and she remains deeply engaged in community service through her volunteer work with numerous organizations.
We hope you will take part in this timely and important session on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST via Zoom. Please use the button below to complete the survey and register for the webinar.
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National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
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 Active Shooter Preparedness
Wednesday, September 17, 2025: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) aims to build and support active shooter preparedness by empowering critical infrastructure owners and operators to pursue a “whole of community” approach by providing no-cost resources, tools, and training. This two-hour webinar offers information and best practices that can enhance emergency action planning capabilities applicable broadly across sectors and provides considerations to assist with mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident, while encouraging recovery preparedness.
The CISA virtual, instructor-led-training aims to enhance awareness of and preparedness for potential active shooter threats. Additional information and resources may be found at Active Shooter Preparedness | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA.
For more information, contact ASWorkshop@mail.cisa.dhs.gov
The start of a new school year can be
exciting, but it can also bring stress, anxiety,
and change. To help students, parents, and educators navigate this transition, Mental
Health America has compiled a range of Back-to-School Mental Health Resources, including tips for managing stress, fostering resilience, and supporting youth well-being.
We encourage you to explore and share these free resources so that every student can start the school year with the tools they need to thrive.
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National Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2025
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.
SCDAA’s 2025 theme is Sickle Cell Matters 2025.
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Recovery is REAL |
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September is also National Recovery Month and SAMHSA has released its Recovery Month Toolkit. Recovery Month began in 1989 to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible.
The 2025 Recovery Month Toolkit is available to partners supporting people in or seeking recovery from mental and substance use disorders.
The Toolkit features:
- Social media content to help spread awareness about the process of recovery and to share the hopeful message that most people who get help do recover
- Resources for learning about and supporting those in recovery
- Promotional materials about recovery in September and beyond
View the Recovery Month Toolkit
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Healthy Brain Virginia is excited to offer the BOLD Early Detection of Dementia Toolkit – Health Systems Edition — FREE of charge to help you integrate best practices for the early detection, diagnosis, and management of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).
This resource is designed to:
- Support providers in recognizing the signs of cognitive decline early
- Improve patient outcomes through timely diagnosis and care planning
- Strengthen your organization’s capacity to deliver person-centered dementia care
Together, we can promote brain health, improve care, and create dementia-friendly health systems across Virginia.
Request your free toolkit today by contacting rachel.coney@vdh.virginia.gov and join us in advancing early detection and quality care for all!
 Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) within VDH's Division of Prevention and Health Promotion at VDH's Central Office is a CDC-funded program. The program provides:
- Surveillance and analysis of reported blood lead levels in children less than 16 years of age
- Education and outreach to parents, communities, and health professionals about childhood lead poisoning and prevention, and
- Oversight to providers and local health department staff on screening, testing, and case management for children exposed to lead
The CLPPP aims to ensure that children at risk for lead exposure are identified, tested, and connected to additional services. Through collaboration with local health department staff, health care providers, environmental health specialists, and public health partners, the VA CLPPP aims to make our state a Lead Safe Virginia.
How to Spot the Early Signs of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease (PD) often begins with subtle, non-motor symptoms like sleep issues or loss of smell. Learn what to watch for and how early detection is changing the future of PD care.
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National Healthy Aging Month
National Healthy Aging Month is an annual observance held every September to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older and to inspire adults to improve their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.
Learn More About Healthy Aging Resources
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September 29 is World Heart Day
Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening, and more opportunities to make healthy choices in nutrition and stay active.
That’s why on World Heart Day, World Heart Foundation unite across six continents to raise awareness, inspire action, and celebrate heart health. 
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National Food Safety Education Month
This month take an active role in preventing foodborne illness, also known as “food poisoning.” The Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually – that’s about 1 in 6 Americans each year. Each year, these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Following simple food safety tips can help lower your chance of getting sick.
Learn more.
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 2025 Virginia Department of Health OnTheSquareVA Emergency Preparedness Day Event
James Madison Building, Richmond, VA
September 3, 2025
The Office of Health Equity participated in the Virginia Department of Health’s OnTheSquareVA Emergency Preparedness Day Event at the James Madison Building in Richmond on September 3, 2025. The event highlighted resources, demonstrations, and tools to help Virginians stay prepared for emergencies. VAP3 engaged with attendees by sharing information and materials to promote community readiness and resilience.
 Kingdom International Network Global & Community Impact Center National Night Out
Richmond, VA
August 5, 2025
Kingdom International Network Global and Community Impact Center hosted National Night Out on August 5, 2025, bringing together community members, local responders, and partners to promote safety and unity. The event featured families, volunteers, vendors, and performers, fostering connection and collaboration. Thanks to sponsors and supporters, the event was a great success.
 Northside Coalition for Children, Inc.'s 17th Annual Citywide Back 2 School Rally
John Marshall Highschool, Richmond, VA
August 2, 2025
We are grateful to have joined the Northside Coalition for Children, Inc.'s 17th Annual Citywide Back 2 School Rally at John Marshall High School in Richmond on August 2, 2025. Families and students gathered to receive school supplies, resources, and health information to prepare for the upcoming school year. VAP3 was proud to share outreach materials and support community wellness at this impactful event.
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