Virginia health agencies awarded CDC grants

Virginia’s public health operations will receive a boost across the next five years, courtesy of a $67.5 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The grant was announced last Wednesday, and is part of the funding being dispersed statewide through the American Rescue Plan Act. Among those groups included as part of the CDC’s funding, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will receive grant money.

The grant will be coordinated by the Virginia Department of Health, and will be focused on increasing the statewide health workforce, modernizing data infrastructure and processes, and improving organizational systems.

“This grant offers a most timely opportunity to support critical public health infrastructure in the Commonwealth,” said State Health Commissioner Collin Greene. “The funding will allow us to invest in our outstanding public health professionals and provide Virginians with enhanced systems to protect the health and promote the well-being of all.”

Buckle up, put down your phones, officials advise

Mindful of the holiday season, City officials are urging residents to wear their seatbelts, avoid driving after drinking and take other measures to stay safe on the road.

Richmond’s new campaign to address vehicular-based injuries due to inattentive, unprepared or impacted drivers, is part of its Vision Zero Action Plan to end traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.

As part of that plan, the Richmond Department and officials are seeking to address dangerous behavior on the road, with a lack of seat belt use and speeding cited by their own studies as consistent factors in many of the injuries seen on Richmond city roads.

Messages about speeding, seatbelt usage and distracted driving will be shared the next several weeks by Richmond officials to remind drivers and pedestrians about the need to stay safe on city streets.

“From Richmond Police to the Department of Public Works, the city wants our residents and visitors to take time to put on their seat belts, don’t text or talk while driving, obey the speed limits and don’t drink and drive,” reads a statement from Petula Burks, Richmond’s director of strategic communications and civic engagement.

“We ask Richmonders to take the challenge to buckle up and put their phones down.”

For more information, visit www.rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero.

Sandston library now open

After more than a month of renovations and improvements, the Sandston Branch Library in Henrico County recently reopened. The library, the longest-serving location of the Henrico County Public Library system, had been closed since September as part of a renovation project, and the new additions mark the first phase of its renovation.

“Neighborhood libraries strengthen communities and families with connection, reading and enjoyment,” Library Director Barbara Weedman said. “The updated Sandston Branch is brighter all around with new shelving and plentiful books that we hope will inspire you to learn or stretch your imagination.”

New additions to the library include modern shelves, updated audio-video equipment and lighting, refreshed paint and carpeting, and rebuilt parking lots. Future additions will include a computer work and play station, inspired by a custom design for the Fairfield Area Library.

Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, ‘Ellen’ show’s dancing DJ, dies at 40

From The Associated Press

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the longtime and beloved dancing DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a former contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance,” has died at the age of 40 by suicide.

His wife, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed his passing in a statement published Wednesday on People.com.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she said. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”

Her statement did not include details on the cause of his death, but the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the suicide.

tWitch started his tenure at “The Ellen Show” in 2014 and later was promoted to co-executive producer in 2020.

“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children — Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia,” Ellen DeGeneres stated on Twitter, alongside a photo of the two embracing in a hug backstage.

Compiled by George Copeland, Jr.