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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women but finding it early can save lives. A mammogram can help find breast cancer before you feel or have symptoms.
Every Woman's Life (EWL) program offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who qualify. This includes a clinical breast exam, mammogram, and pap test to check for early signs of cancer.
To be eligible, women must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. Women 18-39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.
For more information visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/every-womans-life.
 National Take Back Day
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That's dangerous and often tragic. That's why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in - safely and anonymously - a record amount of prescription drugs.
Turn in unneeded medication for safe disposal.
The Alzheimer's Association
would like to invite you to participate in Purple Power Worship, an opportunity for your faith community to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and help members to access services.
WHY SHOULD YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATE?
• Raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
• Hear testimony from families in your congregation affected by the disease.
• Learn the latest information on research and public policy efforts.
• Connect congregants to valuable programs, services, and support.
• Identify members of your community to plan ongoing activities to educate and raise awareness.
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Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month
October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month — and we invite you to tell your prevention story.
To inspire action, each of us can share how prevention is improving lives in our community.
- We aim to prevent substance use in the first place, prevent the progression of use (to a disorder), and prevent consequences associated with use. And we have the prevention playbook to do so.
- Prevention science (with decades of research and community-based experience) shows that prevention works.
- Prevention strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, and society.
- Prevention helps us get ahead of substance use and mental health challenges — so that youth, families, and communities can thrive.
Prevention Month lifts up the national conversation — to showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country.
Join us, as partners in prevention!
The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (VLRVP) provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals of any age, with a documented disability or medical condition.
Respite is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult. Caring for a loved one can be very difficult on a caregiver. Respite Care provides temporary relief to a primary caregiver from the continuous support and care of a loved one who has a disability or medical condition. Respite will be most helpful if you use it before you become exhausted, isolated, and overwhelmed by your responsibilities. Respite services can be beneficial, meaningful, and enjoyable to both the caregiver and the care recipient.
The goal of this program is to increase access and reduce barriers to respite care, as well as enhance education and awareness about respite care. You can find information about the Lifespan Respite Voucher Program and Kinship Caregiver expansion (including the application) here: https://www.vda.virginia.gov/vlrv.htm
Cybersecurity Month is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the best practices for protecting individuals, families, and organizations in the digital world.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance emphasizes the importance of staying safe online. Protection is essential not only for organizations but also for individuals across all age groups, including young adults and older adults. Anyone engaging in online activities must take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against various types of cyber threats.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance focuses on four core actions taken to help elevate online safety below:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
- Turn on multifactor authentication
- Recognize and report scams
- Update your software
For additional details on the four core steps: CLICK HERE
Source: Cybersecurity Awareness Month - National Cybersecurity Alliance
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October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.
In October and beyond, infant caregivers and service and health care providers can join Safe to Sleep® and its partners to encourage safe infant sleep and help raise awareness about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The Little Things
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VDH's Little Things Campaign brings small but powerful health habits to life. Each character represents everyday behaviors that help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. These behaviors include:
- Washing hands
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Getting immunized
By making these small actions fun and memorable, the campaign can result in a big difference.
  
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Ageism Awareness Day
Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and work together to build age-inclusive communities.
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It impacts us at every age.
Learn More About Healthy Aging Resources
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2025 ADHD Awareness Month
The ADHD Awareness Month coalition is partnering with organizations around the world with the shared global goal of dissemination of reliable information about ADHD and its treatments.
The 2025 ADHD Awareness Month theme is "The Many Faces of ADHD!"
We encourage the ADHD community to increase awareness and understanding by sharing ADHD information and supports with all who could benefit.
Learn more at ADHDAwarenessMonth.
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National Food Safety Education Month
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is observed annually in October to raise awareness about substance use disorders (SUDs) and promote prevention strategies. The month encourages communities and individuals to share stories and highlight how prevention efforts are improving lives, fostering broader participation in prevention activities and discussions. It is a crucial time to address the ongoing issue of substance misuse and its impact, especially as overdose rates remain high.
Learn more.
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 Chickahominy Baptist Association’s Cancer Wellness Expo
Mechanicsville, VA
September 27, 2025
We were honored to participate in the Chickahominy Baptist Association’s Cancer Wellness Expo held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Oak Knoll Middle School in Mechanicsville, VA. This impactful event brought together community members and health advocates committed to promoting wellness and cancer awareness. Attendees enjoyed educational resources, a continental breakfast, and family-friendly activities including a dedicated KIDZ Zone. We deeply appreciate the Association’s dedication to fostering community health and are proud to support such an important initiative.
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Turn Awareness into Action with the Health Literacy Month Toolkit
The Health Literacy Month Toolkit includes ready-to-use materials to support your outreach all month long. Whether you’re planning an awareness campaign or sharing a single post, you’ll find everything you need to spread the word about health literacy.
Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) provides these free materials for you and your organization to use while promoting Health Literacy Month. Please refrain from altering these assets or using them for any purpose besides promoting Health Literacy Month.
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The 2025 State of Mental Health in America Report is here!
The Mental Health America is pleased to share our 2025 State of Mental Health in America Report, which highlights the latest national data and state-level rankings on mental health and well-being in the U.S.
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Additional Community Resources
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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
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Need Support Now? If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
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Pregnant or just had a baby? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and here to help, 24/7.
Text or call this hotline that is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
1-833-TLC-MAMA
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Free help to quit tobacco. Quit Coaches available for support. A free 24/7 service for all Virginians, 13 and older for all types of tobacco/nicotine. 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or text READY to 34191 www.QuitNowVirginia.org
Click HERE, to request brochures and other free resource materials!
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Share Your Event or Request Support!
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.
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Trainings & Webinars
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Strengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships for Student Success in Vermont October 27, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST
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Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response Part I October 29, 2025 | 3:00 PM EST
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NAMI Virtual Town Hall: It Takes a Village - Supportive Communities for Young Adults, November 5, 2025 | 3 PM EST
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Exploring Applications of AI in Genomics and Precision Health October 29, 2025 | 8:30 AM EST
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Alz. Association Reducing the Risk of Falls October 30, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST
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Breaking Barriers Part III: Colorectal Cancer Care Resources & Financial Assistance November 13, 2025 | 1 PM EST
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Innovative State Approaches to Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception October 29, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST
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Beyond the Frontlines: Opportunities, Challenges, and Breakthrough Technologies for First Responder Mental Health, October 30, 2025 | 1 PM EST
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Developing Regenerative Medicine Therapies with Artificial Intelligence, November 18, 2025 | 8:30 AM EST
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Dementia Care and Caregiving Research Summit Virtual Listening Session October 29, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST
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October HECC Community Gathering - Rural Health Transformation October 30, 2025 | 3 PM EST
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Geriatric Care Ethics: Understanding Autonomy, Capacity and Personal Bias November 19, 2025 | 1 PM EST
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Funding Opportunities
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia: Community Wellness Grant Cycle
Focus Area: Addressing the basic human needs of our vulnerable populations is crucial to helping our community thrive. But that can’t happen when people are experiencing barriers to accessing food, safe and affordable housing, and other basic necessities. The Community Wellness Grants will focus on support to the following:
- Programs that provide food assistance for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
- Programs that aim to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing options for low-wealth individuals and families.
- Programs that work towards preventing homelessness, providing temporary shelters, offering supportive services, and assisting individuals in transitioning to stable housing.
- Programs that provide clothing and other essential supplies to needy individuals and families.
Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke.
Applications Open: February 2, 2026
Application Deadline: By 4:00 p.m. on February 19, 2026
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Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial services). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Southeast Virginia Community Program
Southeast Virginia Community Program makes grants and works with fund holders to support promising projects that enhance the quality of life for all those across southeast Virginia through addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term improvements. Through a careful review process, the Foundation’s board and staff work together to award grants that strengthen the nonprofit sector.
Application Deadlines: January 31st & July 31st
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Walmart: Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers. Projects should align with Walmart’s core initiatives: “Creating Opportunity”, “Advancing Sustainability”, and “Strengthening Community”. Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000.
Next funding cycle: November 3 - December 31, 2025
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VDH Office of Health Equity Virginia Partners in Prayer & Prevention
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Stay Connected with VDH Updates from the Office of Health Equity.
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If you have an inquiry or question for our team, please reach out to oheoutreach@vdh.virginia.gov
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