Residents of Prince William County and surrounding areas now have access to the latest in medical imaging technology, thanks to a major investment by UVA Prince William Medical Center. The hospital has introduced a new state-of-the-art MRI system that promises faster scan times, enhanced image quality, and an improved patient experience.
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is crucial in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, from orthopedic injuries to neurological disorders and cancer. According to Donna Staton, Chief Operations Officer for UVA Community Health, the demand for MRI services has seen double-digit growth in recent years, driven by population increases and expanded specialty care offerings at the hospital.
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The George Mason University Patriots women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 76-66 victory over the University of Massachusetts during the annual #Play4Kay Pink Game at EagleBank Arena on Sunday, February 16. The event, sponsored for the sixth consecutive year by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC), brought together fans, survivors, and medical professionals to raise awareness of women’s cancers and honor those affected by breast cancer.
A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard
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Sentara Lake Ridge, a standalone emergency facility, is now accepting ambulance patients as of February 4, 2025, expanding emergency medical access in eastern Prince William County. Previously, emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles were required to take patients to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center.
This expansion aims to address the region’s growing healthcare needs and alleviate pressure on SNVMC’s emergency department, which treated over 50,000 patients in 2024. SLR, which served more than 23,600 walk-in patients last year, has invested in staff training and medical equipment to support this transition.
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As bird flu cases continue to rise in the U.S., UVA Health infectious diseases expert Dr. Patrick Jackson provided insights into the latest developments and potential risks during a media briefing. With over 60 confirmed human cases nationwide and recent detections in birds across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, concerns about the virus’s spread have resurfaced.
Jackson reassured the public that while the presence of bird flu in Virginia is noteworthy, it does not significantly change the risk level for humans. “We’ve known for a long time that H5N1 influenza, in its current strain, is widely distributed in wild bird populations,” he said. “The fact that it’s been detected in poultry operations in Virginia was something we expected to happen sooner or later.”
A new strain, H5N9, was recently detected on a California duck farm, raising questions about its implications. Dr. Jackson explained that while this strain appears less virulent than H5N1, multiple circulating influenza strains increase the possibility of viral mutations. “Every time you have co-circulating strains of influenza, you give the virus a chance to reshuffle its genome and possibly become more transmissible,” he noted.
Human Risk and Precautions
So far, human cases of bird flu in the U.S. have primarily been linked to direct contact with infected animals. According to Dr. Jackson, individuals most at risk include agricultural workers, poultry farm employees, backyard chicken owners, and hunters handling wild birds. “People who have backyard flocks should be very aware of their chickens’ health and take precautions when dealing with sick or dead animals,” he advised.
For the general public, however, the risk remains low. “If you don’t come into contact with cattle or birds regularly, there’s nothing you need to change about your daily routine to protect yourself,” he said.
Jackson also addressed concerns about the potential impact on the food supply. While avian influenza has led to rising egg prices due to mass culling of infected poultry, he reassured consumers that pasteurized milk remains safe. “We know that the virus is highly concentrated in raw cow milk, but pasteurization effectively inactivates it,” he explained. However, he cautioned against consuming raw milk, citing instances where cats became ill after exposure.
Communication and Monitoring Challenges
Some reporters raised concerns about delays in CDC updates regarding avian influenza. Jackson acknowledged the uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of real-time communication from health agencies. “We need CDC working closely with state and local health departments to monitor what’s happening in wild bird populations and among cattle,” he stated.
One major source of public health information, the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), has not published an issue since January 2. “This report is essential for tracking foodborne outbreaks and infectious diseases, including avian influenza. The current pause in updates creates a gap in information,” Dr. Jackson said.
What to Watch For
While bird flu remains primarily an animal health issue, Jackson noted that the biggest red flag for a human pandemic would be sustained human-to-human transmission. “Right now, we haven’t seen that. The infections that have occurred in humans have been isolated cases from direct contact with animals,” he said. However, he warned that the situation could change rapidly: “There is no bright line between where we are now and the onset of human-to-human transmission. That could happen never, or it could happen tomorrow.”
For now, he advised those in close contact with birds or cattle to follow CDC protective measures and hygiene guidelines. “Being aware of the risks and taking appropriate precautions is key,” he said.
UVA Health, which operates Prince William Medical Center in Manassas and Haymarket Medical Center in Prince William County, continues to monitor the evolving situation.
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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.
Learn how this community-built hospital has evolved with transformative investments, including freestanding emergency rooms, a cardiovascular surgery center, and cutting-edge AI technology.
From its roots as Potomac Hospital to its role today as a leader in local healthcare, Sentara continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of serving the community. Whether you’re curious about the future of healthcare or want to hear how the hospital has remained a vital part of Northern Virginia, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Topics Covered:
- Sentara’s deep community ties and history
- The hospital’s recent investments and expansions
- How AI and technology are transforming healthcare
- Exciting plans for the future
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Press release:
 The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) invite community members aged 15 and older to take a quick, anonymous survey about important health issues. The survey is open to those who live in the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Orange, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland counties.
“This is a great opportunity for community members to make their voices heard about the biggest health issues facing our area,” said RAHD Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. “We use this feedback to guide decisions about programs and services that are prioritized in our area. The results are taken very seriously by the health department, the healthcare system, and many other community-based organizations.”
The survey can be completed in English at https://redcap.link/CHAsurvey_PD16, or in Spanish at https://redcap.link/CHAencuesta_PD16 . Questions ask respondents to share their thoughts on the biggest health concerns facing the community as well as the greatest opportunities for health improvements. Demographic information is requested to ensure responses from different groups and geographic areas, but no identifiable information is requested. Upon completion of the survey, respondents will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for one of 20 $25 gift cards.
“We want to hear from as many community members as possible through this process,” said Xavier Richardson, senior vice president for MWHC. “Our residents see things impacting the health of our community that we may not see, and this is a great chance to help bring to light things not shown in other data sources.”
This survey is part of the broader Community Health Assessment (CHA) effort, which examines health issues including rates of disease, access to care, patterns of behavior, and social factors that contribute to health. Assessment results will inform the development of a five-year Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) based on community priorities.
Additional opportunities for feedback are also available through a series of focus groups taking place through mid-December. To learn more about focus group opportunities, please contact 540-899-4797 or rahd_ca…@vdh.virginia.gov.
For more information on the previous CHA and CHIP, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/fy23-fy25_cha-chip or www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/foundations/community-benefit-fund.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has announced the launch of the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting patients in making full and lasting recoveries following cardiac events. The program is rooted in three essential components—exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy mindset—empowering patients to make informed choices that foster long-term health and well-being.
Designed to be both effective and sustainable, the Pritikin program incorporates a balanced diet that includes lean meats and fish as protein options, encouraging patients to explore flavorful, heart-healthy meals. Clinical dieticians guide participants in using spice blends and creative culinary techniques to make healthy eating enjoyable, ensuring adherence to the program’s principles.
The Pritikin program is tailored to aid recovery from a variety of cardiac events, including heart attacks, coronary artery bypass surgery, stenting or angioplasty, chest pain caused by angina, heart valve repair or replacement, heart or heart/lung transplants, and chronic heart failure. Its comprehensive approach equips patients with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain healthy habits and manage stress effectively.
Jeff Joyner, president of SNVMC, emphasized the program’s accessibility and its potential to create lasting impacts on patients’ lives. “The Sentara Heart & Vascular Center is pleased to offer the unique, non-invasive Pritikin program to patients in the community,” Joyner said. “It gives people the knowledge and tools to make good decisions around diet, exercise, and managing stress. The program is user-friendly, so patients are more likely to stay with it as a healthy lifestyle.”
Press Release:
Mary Washington Hospice hosted its seventh annual Light Up a Life Illumination event on Thursday, November 14. This special event allowed community members to purchase luminaries in their loved ones’ memory. Over 320 individuals were honored, and their names were read aloud by the hospice team during an intimate program at Mary Washington Hospital.
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Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at its medical centers to enhance visibility during trick-or-treating. Additionally, from October 27 to November 1, it will provide free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy, allowing parents to check for foreign objects.
Press Release:
Halloween is a time of fun and harmless frights, but parents shouldn’t have to worry about their children’s safety while trick-or-treating. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, Patient First is offering some important reminders, and a special service this Halloween season.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating:
- Know the route that your children will take if you do not go with them.
- Younger children should go with adults. There should be at least one adult for every four children.
- If possible, give your children a cell phone and check in with them during the evening.
- Set a time for everyone to be home.
- Make sure no one eats any treats until they have been inspected by an adult.
- Wear bright clothing or reflective gear.
To keep your kids safe after dark, Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at each of our medical centers during the month of October (one per person, while supplies last). These blinking lights can be attached to Halloween costumes to improve visibility. Blinkers are available at the front desk of any Patient First location—no registration or medical care is required.
As an added precaution, Patient First will offer free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy. This fun service allows trick-or-treaters, to see what is inside their treats, like peanuts or other surprises. It also makes visiting the doctor’s office a positive experience, which can help reduce anxiety for future visits when they are sick or hurt.
X-ray imaging can also provide parents additional peace of mind about the treats their children receive by possibly detecting objects like metal, or other solid substances.* Parents still need to provide supervision since some foreign materials may not appear in X-rays.
Bring your bag of candy into any Patient First Neighborhood Medical Center from October 27th through November 1st between 6pm and 8pm for a free X-ray screening.
