COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Office of the Attorney General
Richmond 23219

McDonnell Announces Expansion of Virginia Health Information Project

 VHIP a Product of Attorney General Legal Settlement

 

Richmond – Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced the expansion of the Virginia Health Information Project, a user-friendly online health resource. Initial funding for the Web site resulted from a legal settlement victory won by former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore. 

            Located at www.vahealth.info, the Web site is designed to meet the public’s need for reliable, non-commercial health and nutrition information. It has health news updated daily and health and nutrition information for all age groups. 

            The site includes an extensive health library, doctor-finding services, a health test scorecard, body mass index calculator, food safety tips, lab test explanations, insurance hotlines, and resources for low-income families.  Parents can find out about toy recalls, car seat safety, childhood immunizations, childhood obesity, prenatal care, and access a medical dictionary for children.  And seniors can learn about prescription drugs and plans, Medicare, disabilities, minority health, hospital ratings, and much more.  There are even links and information on 14,000 health-related hotlines, many in English and Spanish. 

            Speaking about the site, Attorney General McDonnell noted, “My predecessor, Jerry Kilgore, selected the Soho Center to receive funds from an anti-trust settlement for use in developing the Virginia Health Information Project. It truly is important for the health and well-being of all Virginians that our citizens have access to reliable information and resources regarding nutrition and health. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this great free health resource." 

            “Thanks in large part to the Attorney General’s Office, Virginians now have an easy, one-stop source for health and nutrition information,” said Jeanna Beker, Director of The Soho Center, a 35-year-old non-profit which developed the VHIP and its Web site. “Attorney General Bob McDonnell continues to be an important partner supporting the health care needs of Virginians of all ages and income levels.” 

        Beker added, “Now, everyone in Virginia can easily find doctors, look up prescription drugs and lab tests, and find reputable information about virtually any disease or health problem. You can get daily health news, sign up for health newsletters, even watch health-related videos. And the VHIP website can connect you to free state and national health resources.”