Sentara Martha Jefferson Announces New Drug Drop-Off Box

Drug Take-Back Day 2015Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. As a follow-up to the recent and successful National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event and to aid responsible disposal of unwanted or expired medicines, Sentara Martha Jefferson has placed a drug drop-off box in its outpatient pharmacy, available to the community Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about safely managing your prescriptions and see a list of drug drop-off box locations »

Results of the October 28 Drug Take Back event held at Martha Jefferson: Continue reading

Great American Smokeout – November 16, 2017

Albemarle BeWellNovember 16, 2017 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Carver Recreation Center

When trying to quit smoking, support can make all the difference. The Great American Smokeout will be held this Thursday, November 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center, located at the Jefferson School City Center in Charlottesville.

Drop in for this FREE event! Continue reading

14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Oct. 28

National Prescription Drug Take Back DayThe Albemarle County Police Department, in partnership with Martha Jefferson Hospital, is hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 28. The event, which aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing expired, unwanted or unused medication, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Martha Jefferson Hospital (back side), located at 500 Martha Jefferson Drive in Charlottesville. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

Flu and Tdap Vaccination Clinics Start Oct. 3

Get Your Flu Shot HereOnsite flu and Tdap vaccination clinics will be held October 3 – November 20 at 50+ locations. All Albemarle County employees (including part-time and temporary employees, substitutes, interns, and student teachers) and public safety volunteers (Fire Rescue, Police, Sheriff’s Office) are eligible to receive flu and Tdap vaccinations with no out-of-pocket cost, even if you are not covered through the County’s health plan. View the clinic schedule »

Please bring with you: a completed Vaccine Informed Consent Form and either your Anthem card (if covered on the County health plan) or other County ID (if not covered on the County health plan), like an employee ID or paystub. More information, including CDC guidance »

Check YOU off Your List!

Albemarle BeWellDid you know that only 1 in 5 Americans gets an annual physical/wellness exam? That’s unfortunate, because annual wellness check-ups can help you stay healthy, catch problems early on, and even save your life.

Under the ACPS health insurance plans, wellness exams (along with screening tests like mammograms and colonoscopies) are covered with no-copay required—regardless of which of our health insurance plans you have. Continue reading

Safety & Effectiveness of Antibacterial Soaps in Question

Antibacterial SoapACPS works to provide safe and fragrance-free soap through dispensers in restrooms and staff workroom areas. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned several antibacterial active ingredients found in antibacterial soap—triclosan and triclocarban are the most common. Manufacturers are no longer allowed to use these ingredients in antibacterial soap; however, soaps produced before the final rule may contain the banned ingredients.

Please refrain from bringing antibacterial soaps to school. If you are in need of a soap dispenser in an area, please contact your lead custodian. Continue reading

NEW! Download the Mobile Health Consumer App Today!

Albemarle BeWellAnthem Mobile Health is the place to find all of your healthcare info! Download the new “Mobile Health Consumer” app to access important alerts, education, rewards, and personalized navigation through your health resources … all in one place. View your ID cards, find a provider, view balances and deductibles, estimate your healthcare costs, join activity tracker challenges, and more! Visit the iTunes App Store or Google Play today! Or, access Mobile Health Consumer online. Check out the Mobile Health FAQs for online registration info.

Are You Registered for Community Emergency Alerts?

CodeREDThe Office of Emergency Management recommends that all residents and businesses in the Charlottesville-Albemarle region register for the CodeRED Weather Warning. By registering, residents may receive tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings. Subscribers can select the type of messages they would like to receive as well as how they are warned, including phone, text and email. Learn more »

BeWell Albemarle: Upcoming Programs & Events

Albemarle BeWellDiabetes Alert Day is March 28, 2017. The American Diabetes Association is sounding the alarm about the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in American adults by asking America to take their 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. It’s free, anonymous, and available online. (A printable version is available as well.)

Want to quit smoking, but don’t know where to start? Two local and FREE support groups are available to help you quit. This is your opportunity to learn about and experience various strategies for quitting, such as medication, acupuncture, hypnosis, stress reduction, and more!

Flu & Tdap Vaccination Clinics Begin October 4

Get Your Flu Shot HereDid you know … it is estimated that an average of 200,000 people per year are hospitalized due to flu-related complications? Again this year, Albemarle County has partnered with Giant Pharmacy to offer Influenza (flu) and—new this year—Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination clinics at 50+ county locations. When you get vaccinated, not only are you protecting yourself, but you also are helping to protect your family, friends and coworkers. Onsite clinics begin October 4. View the schedule »