A solar eclipse will occur on August 21, 2017, during which nearly 86 percent of the sun will be blocked out in Virginia.   The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. Looking at the sun without proper protection, even when the sun is mostly eclipsed, can permanently damage eyesight. Click here for more information.

Interested in learning how to administer Naloxone? Lay Rescuer Training is a 1.5 hour long training that covers: understanding opioids, how opioid overdoses happen, risk factors for opioid overdoses, and how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency with the administration of Naloxone.  Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin.  It is not just for people who are addicted.  If you or a loved one are prescribed opioid painkillers, or are taking opioids, you should have naloxone on hand.

The Health Matters in Alexandria Dashboard is live! This Dashboard provides a comprehensive snapshot of health in the City of Alexandria. The data spans categories, each of which has a profound impact on health. It allows you search, visualize, compare and share data on both health outcomes and the social determinants that drive health and wellness.  

Trying to figure out ways to beat the summer heat? Play it safe with extreme temperatures and stay indoors. If you have to be outside, be sure to stay hydrated and stay in the shade as much as possible. Consider going to your local library branch to check out the latest summer reads or to your local recreation center to participate in a program or a class. Check out our City pools as another way to stay cool.

Check this page for periodic updates regarding Zika virus disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).  

Childhood lead poisoning is a major, preventable public health concern. There is no safe blood lead level. Blood lead level testing is required by the Code of Virginia for certain children and recommended for others. This provides general information about lead and additional resources.

The City of Alexandria’s highest priority is the health and safety of its residents, businesses and visitors. Although water service in Alexandria is provided by Virginia American Water, a private company, the City has been in close contact with Virginia American Water regarding water quality.

Find contact information and descriptions of medical services available from the Health Department. Each service listed includes a brief summary of the services. Some services have eligibility rules, like where someone lives, how much a family makes, etc. No one will be denied access to care because of their inability to pay.

This division manages the business activities of the Health Department. It oversees all financial, human resource and procurement activities, including records management and fee collection for clinical services. It also assists in vital record requests, like birth and death certificates, and works with state and city offices to handle facility management and IT services at the department's multiple locations.

Learn more about our food safety, vector control, aquatic health and other Health Department programs made to protect your health from environmental sources. Find out how to get or renew a health permit, complain about unhealthy conditions at a restaurant, pool, or hotel, or report an animal bite or mosquito problem in the city.

Our epidemiologists investigate communicable diseases reported by healthcare providers, labs, and schools  and offer guidance to residents, schools, long-term care facilities, and others to prevent and control the spread of disease. They also monitor trends and analyze data to guide program and policy development.

The Public Health Emergency Management program enhances readiness and resilience in communities throughout the City of Alexandria through emergency planning, training, drills/exercises, and outreach. Are You Ready?

AHD has recently published Health Profile I: Health Behaviors, Morbidity, and Mortality. This report focuses on key health indicators that are considered important to public health, are actionable, and are regularly reported. For each health indicator in the report, AHD has provided information on how Alexandria is doing, as well as evidence-based recommendations to help improve health outcomes.