The Virginia Department of Health is alerting the public of new coronavirus cases on a daily basis. Check the VDH website for prevention tips and the latest updates.

Unfortunately, we will be reading more and more news reports about the escalating coronavirus cases in the United States. However, we can stay alert and informed on the spread. The World Health Organization has released their information on the matter and further guidance on how to avoid infection.

This week, AmeriCorps wishes to recognize the efforts of their VISTA members and the work being done throughout the communities they serve. As part of our introduction to Wise County, Virginia – GMEC along with our VISTA member – led the incoming family medicine residents on an exercise to help them better understand their patient population. Check out what one of the residents had to say about their experience…

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Coalition has made 2020 their year to advocate for barrier reduction when it comes to creating patient access to cannabidiol oil and THC-A oil. A statement from the Pharmacist in Charge and Founder/Chief Pharmacy Office of Dharma Pharmaceuticals details their plans to bring regulated, medical-grade cannabis to Health Service Area 3. This push is also looking to expand prescribing capabilities of current practitioners – following federal regulations for Schedule II through V controlled substances via telemedicine.

Click HERE to read.

Seema Verma, CMS Administrator, brings her personal experience working on infant mortality prevention into today’s conversation on maternal and infant health. She discusses the trajectory of the issue and remarks on CMS efforts and their ‘Rethinking Rural Health Initiative’.

A Request for Information has been released and is seeking feedback from the community to better direct future CMS programs and policies. The deadline for submissions is April 12, 2020.

Click HERE to read.

CEO of the National Rural Health Association shares his top concerns facing the rural health care landscape. Read more about the work the NRHA has accomplished and how it has given rural residents a national platform to voice their personal stories.

Click HERE to read.

Comprehensive data on the three C-H-R Programs implemented in Wise County, Smyth County and Richmond for the past 1 1/2 years:

• 779 registered users
• 161, 924 needles handed out
• 137, 800 needles received for disposal
• 437 referrals for substance abuse treatment
• 248 individuals attended a first appointment
• 251 self-reported reversed overdose – Naloxone use

Click HERE to read.

In regional news, Virginia state legislators are seriously promoting economic development through a series of investment strategies in order to attract high-tech companies to the area, such as Amazon. Rural development and health care go hand in hand, and small infrastructure investments will lead to big rural health gains.

Click HERE to read about InvestSWVA.

The U.S. Health & Human Services secretary along with several public health advocates weigh in on the Trump administration’s decision to exempt tobacco and menthol from the e-cigarette flavors ban. A FDA regulation, set to take effect in February, is meant to curb future users and the usage among the existing 27.5% of addicted high schoolers. Opinions on the matter ranged from criticism to labeling this move as a “smart, targeted policy that is an evidence-based, science-based health approach.”

Click HERE to read.