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Today is National DIS Recognition Day!
A Disease Intervention Specialist (or DIS) identifies, tracks, and prevents the transmission of infections: from syphilis and other STIs, to emerging issues like COVID-19 and mpox. These stellar sleuths perform a wide variety of duties, including:
- Providing non-judgmental and inclusive sexual health education
- Swiftly connecting people to screening and treatment services
- Confidentially support partner notification of folks who may have been exposed
- Making referrals to wraparound services (including housing support or syringe exchange)
- Leading frontline contact tracing efforts
On October 2, we recognize the critical work DIS performs every day to protect public health in our communities. 2026’s theme, “The Rhythm of Public Health”, honors the harmony that connects the collaboration, partnerships, and communities involved in disease intervention. So, let's turn up the volume as we celebrate these public health rockstars!
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Skip the Scares - Halloween Safety
The pumpkins are ready for carving, kids are picking out costumes, and Halloween is on the horizon! Make sure you’re ready for treats and no tricks with these safety tips:
On the Candy Trail:
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Always accompany young children
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Only trick-or-treat at houses with the lights on
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Never enter a home or car for candy
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Bring a flashlight
- Clear your porch/yard of tripping hazards
- Sweep any wet leaves off the walking path
- Turn on your porch lights
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Keep pets on a leash
And most importantly, don’t give out candy if you’re not feeling well. Instead, place a bowl of candy with hand sanitizer on your porch instead! The same goes for trick-or-treaters… stay home if you’re not feeling well. Worried about staying home and missing out on all the goodies? Tag a buddy to collect treats for you!
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HBHB Expo Happening Tomorrow!
We're less than 24 hours away from the 4th annual Healthy Birth Healthy Baby Birth Expo! Swing by anytime tomorrow, Saturday October 2 between 10 AM to 1 PM at the Carver Recreation Center (233 4th St. NW, Charlottesville, VA). No sitters needed - kiddos of all ages are welcome!
- 30+ local resource agencies and businesses
- Free refreshments
- Free face painting
- Tons of door prizes
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And more!
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2026 Respiratory Virus Vaccine Guidance
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Sometimes it’s hard to keep the changing vaccine recommendations straight – thankfully VDH has put together a helpful chart explaining who should get which respiratory virus vaccines and when!
You can find vaccines at your local pharmacy, healthcare provider, or health department. To make an appointment with BRHD, call the health department nearest you to schedule.
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Why are we concerned about flu?
In Virginia, flu cases may begin as early as October and continue into April, with the majority of cases in the winter months. The elderly, very young children, and those with immunocompromising conditions can find the flu to be extremely serious and sometimes fatal.
How does the flu spread?
Flu spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and touching infected surfaces followed by contact with the eyes, nose, lips, or mouth. Close contact with work colleagues, school classmates and family members helps the flu spread quickly.
When should I get my flu vaccine?
The best time to get vaccinated for the flu is in September, October, or November. Vaccinating in the fall helps your body have enough time to develop its defenses against infection. Children, receiving their first dose of flu vaccine, need 2 doses 1 month apart in that first season to help them establish protection from infection.
Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?
The virus used to make the flu vaccine is killed and incapable of making people ill. The vaccine takes about 2 weeks to become fully effective. If you are exposed to the flu before the vaccine becomes effective, it won’t protect you well. Flu vaccines are available at health departments, pharmacies, and your healthcare provider’s office.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html
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To read past publications, visit the BRHD Health Whys webpage.
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Saturday, October 3 – Healthy Birth Healthy Baby Expo at the Carver Rec Center
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Monday, October 12 – BRHD closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day
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Friday, October 23 – BRHD opening late at 1 PM
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 Monthly Rapid REVIVE! Naloxone Trainings
Free trainings and dispensing of Naloxone nasal spray used to treat suspected opioid overdoses. All are welcome. Visit the Harm Reduction webpage for more information.
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2nd Tuesday of the month: October 13 from 3 to 4 PM at the Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard St., Stanardsville, VA)
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3rd Monday of the month: October 19 from 3 to 4 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)
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3rd Wednesday of the month: October 21 from 1 to 3 PM at the Nelson County Health Department (1645 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Arrington, VA) and from 3 to 4 PM at the Louisa County Health Department (101 Woolfolk Ave. Suite 202, Louisa, VA)
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4th Wednesday of the month: October 28 from 1 to 3 PM at the Fluvanna County Health Department (132 Main St., Palmyra, VA)
Monthly Test & Go Event
Monthly Test & Go event. Free walk-in STI testing on a first come, first served basis until we reach capacity. No insurance needed. Call 434-972-6269 for more information.
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3rd Tuesday of the month: October 20 from 4:30 to 6 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville)
Monthly Community Health Worker (CHW) Office Hours
Walk-in one-on-one sessions hosted in Albemarle County. All are welcome. Visit the Community Health Worker webpage for more information or call 434-270-3216. Please note: Yancey office hours will be ending at 1 PM for the foreseeable future.
- Monthly on Thursdays: October 8, 15, 22, & 29 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Yancey Community Health Center (7625 Porters Rd., Esmont, VA)
- 3rd Thursday of the month: October 15 from 2 to 5 PM at the Dunbar Rosenwald School (2524 Mountain Hill Rd., Palmyra, VA)
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