As spring arrives and brings warmer temperatures, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) reminds all Virginians that our official fire season – as well as the statewide 4 p.m. burning law – remains in effect through April 30. So far this year, DOF has suppressed 356 wildfires that burned more than 4,200 acres. In March alone, DOF suppressed 216 wildfires that burned 2,879 acres. For comparison, DOF suppressed 303 wildfires that burned 6,839 acres in March 2025.
“The weather is the biggest factor in wildfire activity,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Intermittent rainfall, fire prevention efforts by DOF and our many local partners, and Virginians burning safely and legally, are likely reasons for the decrease in fire activity compared to last season. This shows that using fire safety practices does make a difference.”
However, a lot can change between now and the end of April. Fluctuating conditions can increase the threat of wildfires in an instant. High winds, warm days and low humidity create ideal environments for rapid fire spread. Despite some rainfall, many areas are dry overall, with drought conditions in central and southwest Virginia further elevating wildfire risk.
“Even after occasional rainstorms, grasses, yard debris and brush can dry quickly with a little sunshine and wind,” said DOF Assistant Director of Fire and Emergency Response Michael Downey. “Furthermore, since the trees are just starting to leaf out, all of the dead leaves and woody debris on the ground are now getting increased sunlight and wind, speeding the drying process.”
The leading cause of wildfires is escaped debris burns. Keep these things in mind during fire season:
• Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight when proper precautions are taken;
• No fire may be started – and no fuels can be added to a fire – after midnight;
• The 4 p.m. burn law applies to open air burning as defined under Virginia Code - § 10.1-1142;
• Localities may have additional, individual burn bans or restrictions in effect;
• Avoid burning during dry and windy conditions;
• Never leave a fire unattended;
• Have a shovel, rake and a charged hose on hand for controlling the fire;
• Call 911 immediately if a fire escapes your control;
• When in doubt, put it out.
To get more fire prevention tips and monitor current wildfire conditions, visit DOF's website.
Registration is open for free parenting workshop
Registration is being accepted for a free 6-week series and introductory session of the Guiding Good Choices parenting workshop for parents of pre-teens and teens hosted by the Parenting Sweet at Appalachian Promise Alliance. Register at www.ParentingSweet.org/#ggc for upcoming live online sessions beginning in May on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Guiding Good Choices is an evidenced-based program designed for parents and caregivers of students in fourth grade through high school. Participants learn how to strengthen family bonds through family meetings and activities together, help kids say no to drugs and resist peer pressure, set family guidelines and manage anger and family conflicts. The engaging workshops are free of charge and weekly sessions last an hour.
These workshops are designed to be an investment for families, helping them learn about:
• Fostering Health and Wellbeing During the Pre- Teen and Teen Years: Learn about the social development strategy, risk and protective factor focused prevention and decide how to prevent problems in your family;
• Developing Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards: Develop clear family guidelines and expectations for behavior;
• Dealing with Conflict in a Positive Way: Learn how to deal with anger and manage family conflict in a way that maintains and strengthens bonds with children;
• Saying No, Keeping Your Friends and Still Having Fun: Youth are invited to attend this session with parents/caregivers. Youth learn skills they can use for staying out of trouble and keeping their friends, while still having fun; and
• Involving Everyone - How to Strengthen Family Bonds: Learn ways to strengthen family bonds and increase youth involvement in family throughout the teen years.
• Technology - This is a newly added for 2026 session on navigating technology and family dynamics.
All those involved in caring for a young person are urged to sign up and participate together to help be on the same page and spend time together.
To complement the sessions, Parenting Sweet Meetups are open for parent questions and mutual support monthly on Sundays at 6 p.m. both live online and in-person at the Parenting Sweet at 100 Ash Street, Bristol, Tenn. For links and registration, visit www.ParentingSweet.org.
Guiding Good Choices and many other Parenting Sweet programs are made possible by a grant from the Ballad Health Community Health Initiative, with support from Bristol Housing, Nurturings, and Appalachian Promise Alliance. For more information, visit www.ParentingSweet.org or email parentingsweet@appalachianpromise.org.
The Parenting Sweet is a program of the Appalachian Promise Alliance, a regional nonprofit organization that unites communities in the Appalachian region to meet the basic needs of each child, youth, and family.
Attached at the Heart parenting program registration open for spring series
Appalachian Promise Alliance wants to help make parenting sweet--whether the need is for more cooperation, less stress and conflict, easier mealtimes, getting sleep, navigating technology use, finding community, addressing childcare and development questions, or creating a lasting loving environment and connection.
The Parenting Sweet at Appalachian Promise Alliance has announced registration for the May Attached at the Heart Parenting Program for parents of children up to age 5 or expectant parents. Register at www.ParentingSweet.org/#ahpp for live online Mondays at 7:30 p.m. or live online and in-person options Fridays at 9 a.m.
Join to access all the sessions and address parenting concerns. Provided free of charge with grant support, this is an incredible opportunity to take advantage of valuable parenting information and support by educators with more than 25 years of experience and training:
Attached at the Heart parenting sessions are designed to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes and parent knowledge about child development; increase parent confidence and positive parenting skills, increase levels of empathy toward children, ensure healthy secure attachment, increase family connection, protect against trauma, and help make parenting sweeter. The sessions are also a great way to connect with other parents and find support, encouragement, and friends.
To complement the series, Parenting Sweet Meetups are open for parent questions and mutual support monthly Sunday at 6 p.m. both online and in-person at the Parenting Sweet at 100 Ash Street, Bristol, Tenn., second Saturdays at 10 a.m. for PLAYtime in the ARTspace, and periodically at the Bristol Public Library at storytime. For links and registration, visit www.ParentingSweet.org.
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program and many other parenting programs are made possible by a grant from the Ballad Health Community Health Initiative, Bristol Housing, Nurturings, and Appalachian Promise Alliance. For more information, visit www.ParentingSweet.org or email parentingsweet@appalachianpromise.org.
YWCA Powerhouse to host Cradled in Love Community Baby Shower in Glade Spring
The YWCA Powerhouse Community Wellness + Resource Center will host their first Cradled in Love Community Baby Shower, a free event dedicated to supporting local families navigating the journey of pregnancy and early parenthood. The celebration will take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Glade Spring Middle School in Glade Spring.
This special event is designed to support new or expecting families at every stage—whether they are currently pregnant, considering pregnancy or have welcomed a baby within the last year. Attendees can collect essentials such as diapers and wipes, alongside information and goodies from local community partners. In addition, free baby clothing and other items will be available for families on a first-come, first-served basis, with the first 35 families receiving a complimentary gift bag.
B&W Food Stand will also be on site offering food for purchase.
Beyond addressing the rising costs of raising a family in today’s economy, where the average cost of essential baby supplies has risen by more than 20% in recent years, the community baby shower highlights the role community supports and resources play in child development. The National Institutes of Health notes that parents with a strong support network report higher levels of parenting satisfaction. Equally important, infants in resource-rich environments are up to 50% less likely to experience early developmental delays.
"We are excited to create a welcoming and supportive space for families while connecting them with valuable resources in our community," said Karissa Skeens, director at the YWCA Powerhouse. "Our goal is to ensure every parent feels 'cradled' by their neighbors and community providers and equipped with the tools they need for a healthy start."
Cradled in Love will also feature practical safety and educational opportunities, including:
• Car seat safety checks provided by Niswonger Children's Hospital;
• Educational mini sessions with Ballad Health Strong Starts, People Inc. CHIP, Optimal Nutrition Lacation & Wellness, Healthy Families Southwest Virginia, Family Nutrition Program, Mindbridge Mental Health Support and SVCHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health; and
• Raffle prizes with opportunities to win high-value baby items and giveaways.
Community members are encouraged to stop by the Cradled in Love Community Baby Shower on May 2 to celebrate new life and strengthen the local support system for young families.
Call to Action for Local Businesses and Organizations
The Powerhouse is currently seeking local businesses, organizations, and providers to help make this event a success. Anyone who would like to attend as a vendor, or sponsor a raffle prize, donate new baby gear or provide other items or supports, reach out to the Powerhouse. Contributions will directly help local families start their baby journey with confidence.
The YWCA Powerhouse Community Wellness + Resource Center is an outreach facility of YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
For more information on the Powerhouse or the Cradled in Love Community Baby Shower, contact them at 276-429-1047 or powerhouse@ywcatnva.org.
Ballad Health receives national honor for patient-centered financial communications
Ballad Health has received national recognition from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
Ballad Health has been named a recipient of the HFMA’s 2026 MAP Award for High Performance in Revenue Cycle, its fourth time receiving the honor. This award recognizes U.S. healthcare organizations that excel across HFMA’s MAP Keys benchmarks, implement patient-centered financial communication practices and demonstrate innovation in revenue cycle processes.
“We are honored to receive the 2026 MAP Award,” said Alan Levine, chairman and CEO of Ballad Health. “For our patients, this means clearer information about the cost of care, faster answers and fewer delays related to insurance or billing. We are focused on making healthcare easier to navigate so patients can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time focusing on their health.”
Ballad Health has implemented tools and processes that simplify the financial experience, including price transparency resources, digital-first billing and expanded access to financial assistance. Patients can receive estimates, manage bills and submit financial assistance applications through MyChart, streamlining the process and reducing barriers to care.
“Our team works to make every financial interaction clear, timely and easy to navigate for patients,” said Shane Hilton, chief financial officer of Ballad Health. “Being recognized by HFMA for our revenue cycle performance validates those efforts and motivates us to continue innovating on behalf of our patients.”
Ballad Health said it is also expanding outreach and education to help patients better understand their financial options, using proactive engagement and enhanced digital tools. At the same time, the organization captures and responds to patient feedback in real time, using it to improve billing clarity, customer service and overall experience.
“We want to congratulate these award winners for their dedicated efforts to strengthen the delivery and support of our healthcare system,” said HFMA President and CEO C. Ann Jordan, JD. “High performance in revenue cycle means these teams are building strong financial foundations, and that translates to protecting patient access and care. The MAP Awards are about more than metrics. They are about recognizing organizations that are moving the industry forward.”
Ballad Health was one of 20 award recipients nationwide. This recognition reinforces the health system’s focus on delivering a more transparent, responsive and patient-centered financial experience — so patients can access the care they need with greater confidence and peace of mind.
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