The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians.
VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. These entities work together to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, to educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and to track disease outbreaks in Virginia.
VDH is led by the State Health Commissioner, Dr. Karen Remley, M.D., MBA, F.A.A.P. The State Health Commissioner serves as the principal advisor to Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marilyn Tavenner and the Virginia General Assembly on a wide range of public health issues. Dr. Remley was appointed by Governor Timothy M. Kaine in 2008. Dr. Remley has been involved in every aspect of health care including positions as Vice President of Medical Affairs at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Medical Director of External Quality at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia and Chief Executive Officer of Physicians for Peace.
Dr. Remley earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City; a Masters in Business Administration from Duke University; and an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is a pediatrician and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, sub-board of Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
For a VDH organizational chart, click here.
Commonwealth of Virginia State Board of Health
The 13-member State Board of Health is appointed by the Governor to provide leadership in planning and policy development for the Commonwealth and the Virginia Department of Health. They work with VDH to implement a coordinated, prevention-oriented program that promotes and protects the health of all Virginians. In addition, the board serves as the primary advocate and representative of the citizens of the Commonwealth in achieving optimal health.
For information about the Board of Health, click here.
VDH is one of 12 state agencies under the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. Click here to learn more.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is part of the Virginia Department of Health? And did you know those tags on your mattresses that say “do not remove under penalty of law"…those are a VDH program as well.