Sickle Cell Disease: Connection to Specialized Care Starts with You 

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD), strengthen connections to specialized care and remind healthcare professionals of the important role they play in helping patients and families navigate the healthcare system. 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is working to strengthen sickle cell care across the Commonwealth. VDH partnered with five pediatrics clinical center and five adult comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers located throughout Virginia. The partnership helps connect children and adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD) to specialized care, treatment, disease management, education, care coordination, and ongoing support. 

Know the Signs of Acute Flaccid Myelitis  

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurologic condition that primarily affects young children. Cases most commonly occur in late summer and early fall. Symptoms include sudden onset of arm or leg weakness, loss of muscle tone, and loss of reflexes. 

• Clinicians should consider AFM in patients with flaccid limb weakness. 

• Testing can be arranged in partnership with your local health department. Specimens required for AFM testing include CSF, respiratory (NP/OP), serum, and stool specimens. 

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Measles in Virginia + Back to School Immunizations 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) declared an end to the measles outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland Counties after two incubation periods (42 days) passed without detection of a new outbreak-associated case. The risk of measles reintroduction remains high as cases continue to rise across the nation. 

Back-to-school reminder: Prevent the spread of measles in schools by ensuring pediatric patients are up to date on MMR vaccinations. Documentation of two MMR doses is required for students entering kindergarten. 

For updates on measles trends in Virginia, please visit VDH’s measles dashboard.  

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Respiratory Virus Sentinel Surveillance 

VDH Invites Providers to Join the Respiratory Virus Sentinel Surveillance Program! 

• This program helps monitor influenza and other respiratory viruses circulating in Virginia. Participation involves submitting respiratory specimens to the state laboratory for virus testing and typing. There is no cost to your practice or your patients. 

• All providers that see patients with acute respiratory illnesses are welcome to participate, including outpatient primary and urgent care practices, and university health systems. 

Help Your Patients Find Coverage Through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace

Do you have patients who delay or do not seek necessary medical care because they are uninsured or under-insured? They may qualify for affordable coverage options available through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. 

About Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace: 

• Administered by the Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission 

• All applications are assessed for federal financial assistance available through the Affordable Care Act to help lower cost of monthly premiums and other healthcare expenses 

• All applications are assessed for Medicaid, and automatically enrolled if they qualify 

• New in 2027: The Virginia Premium Savings. Funds made available in the 2027 state budget to help eligible Virginians lower the cost of monthly premiums 

• Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 29, 2027 

• Free assistance is available through our statewide network of certified agents, navigators, and application assisters, offering help understanding how to access financial assistance and choosing coverage that meets their needs and budget 

• We can provide educational materials for your waiting room or for your staff to share with patients in need 

Contact The Marketplace’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Kendra Weindling, to learn more about how you can partner with Virginia's Insurance Marketplace: Kendra.Weindling@scc.virginia.gov. 

Practical PPE Training Strategies for Special Pathogens Preparedness Webinar: September 8