Lenowisco Health District

11/12/2025

LENOWISCO Health District Pediatric Cancer Data Being Evaluated
Results expected to be released by year end

GATE CITY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Virginia Cancer Registry (VCR) is currently evaluating pediatric cancer data recently collected by the LENOWISCO Health District. Results from the survey data are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The information being reviewed by VCR will determine if a potential cancer cluster may exist. Once any conclusion is made, the details will be shared with the local community.

The investigation began when a group of Scott County residents contacted the Virginia Cancer Registry. They were concerned about the number of children with cancer in their area. In response, LENOWISCO Health District began collecting information from affected Scott County residents as a first step to investigating the concerns.

To be included, the patient must be:

· 19 years of age or under.
· diagnosed with any form of cancer between 2015 and 2023
· a resident of Scott County prior to the cancer diagnosis.

“Once the survey was completed by the LENOWISCO Health District, the VCR began conducting an assessment of the 2015-2023 cases submitted to us. We are continuing to review the data and it is our hope to complete this process by the end of the year. We will also continue to monitor trends of recently reported cases as more information becomes available,” said Dane De Silva, PhD, MPH, Division of Population Health Data director, with the Virginia Department of Health.

A cancer cluster is defined as a greater than expected number of the same or related cancer cases that occur within a group of people in a geographic area over a specific period of time. Overall, cancer clusters have proven to be extremely rare. To date, Virginia has no proven cancer clusters, and only a few have been identified within the United States.

“Causes of childhood cancer are very difficult to determine.” Said De Silva. “However, we continue to review environmental concerns to evaluate if a concern warrants additional follow-up. Currently, we have not found any urgent environmental concerns in Scott County. We encourage community members to continue to share any environmental concerns they feel may be useful to this investigation.”

For more information about the Virginia Cancer Registry or the investigation process, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/virginia-cancer-registry/cancer-clusters/.

11/12/2025

11/07/2025

Come out on Tuesday, November 11th for our Holiday Food Distribution at the FB of Wise in Norton from 9:30 am to 11:30 am!

The first 25 families to arrive (1 per household) will also receive a
$25 Food City turkey or ham voucher! See you there!

10/30/2025

– Episode 2: Moving Virginia Toward
isn’t just about roads and sidewalks it’s about health, safety, and access. In this episode, we hear from Fairfax County Health Department and Virginia Department of Transportation about how walkability, bikeability, and health data are shaping the future of Virginia’s communities.
They discuss how partnerships between public health and transportation are creating safer, more connected, and more accessible places for all Virginians.
Listen now: https://virginiapaths.org/podcast/

10/30/2025

10/29/2025

Please see the news from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources last week about cases of in wild birds. Report groups of sick or dead wild birds to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.

If you must dispose of a dead bird, wear protective gear like gloves, a mask, and eye protection to protect your health.

PRESS RELEASE: DWR ASKING PUBLIC TO REPORT AFTER INCREASE IN SUSPECTED CASES OF AVIAN INFLUENZA

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has recently received reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state including several counties in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Although disease activity is currently centered in black vultures, with migration season beginning, it is likely there will be mortalities in other bird species as well.

DWR asks that if you observe any of the following, please notify the Department by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.

💔 Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
💔 Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding ones found on the road
💔 Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days

The public is advised to avoid picking up or handling sick or dead wild birds. If you must dispose of a dead bird on your property, wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection. Dead birds should be buried or double bagged and disposed of in a secured outdoor trash can or landfill. After disposing of the carcass, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfect clothing, and shoes. If you are frequently in contact with poultry, including backyard flocks, or other domesticated birds, you are encouraged to have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds. In addition, keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl. Taking these precautions will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

If you develop any flu-like symptoms after handling wild birds (fever, body aches, red or itchy eyes, etc.), contact your state or local health department.

Find more info on Avian Influenza at the link in the comments.

10/29/2025

There’s still time to apply! Job closes this Sunday night 11/2!

Join our team! We are looking to hire a Community Health Outreach Worker who will work with our Maternal and Child Health programs. This person will serve as a liaison between community members and our programs and services while helping our programs that serve pregnant women and children expand their capacity to serve the community. This position will be based at the Wise County Health Department. Apply online: https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/community-health-worker-lw044-wise-virginia-united-states

10/29/2025

10/29/2025

📣Virginia is open during the federal government shutdown. WIC families can attend their appointments and shop with their WIC cards. New applicants can also apply for the program. Virginia WIC is actively monitoring the federal shutdown. Watch for updates at vdh.virginia.gov/wic.

10/22/2025

Join our team! We are looking to hire a Community Health Outreach Worker who will work with our Maternal and Child Health programs. This person will serve as a liaison between community members and our programs and services while helping our programs that serve pregnant women and children expand their capacity to serve the community. This position will be based at the Wise County Health Department. Apply online: https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/community-health-worker-lw044-wise-virginia-united-states

10/21/2025

is spreading among wild birds, including vultures. Human infections are rare, but you can become infected by touching sick or dead birds.
🛑 Do NOT touch dead vultures or other wild birds.
🧤 If you must handle them (e.g., for removal), wear proper protective gear.
📞 Report dead birds to your local wildlife or public health authorities.
Learn more at https://ow.ly/Ulkp50Xf6Ev

10/20/2025

Family Crisis Support Services is working to provide some food relief for those struggling within the communities we serve. With EBT benefits not happening for November and paychecks temporarily not coming in for some, individuals and families are facing a time of struggle and turmoil. Not only do our residents rely on these benefits, but so many in our outreach programs as well.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

From 10-22-25 (WEDNESDAY) to 11-5-25 (WEDNESDAY), Family Crisis will be collecting both PERISHABLE AND NON-PERISHABLE food items at our main office from 10am -6pm daily:

Family Crisis Support Services Main Campus Location, 5668 Freedom Blvd, Norton, VA 24273

NON-PERISHABLE food items may also be dropped off at Freedom Ford in Wise, VA and Freedom Chevrolet in Big Stone Gap, VA

If you would like to help, but don't live nearby -- Don't worry, we have you covered!! Click the link below to donate. Please put in your subject line "Food Drive"
https://family-crisis.networkforgood.com/projects/229875-family-crisis-support-services