“The 21st Century Cures Act finally presents a national vision and a major opportunity to advance better detection, management, and ultimately cures of chronic diseases and improvement of quality of life for all Americans. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this groundbreaking legislation," said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock July 10.

“Despite the record decrease in traffic deaths over this past holiday weekend, the fact that DUI arrests increased by almost 20 percent is of extreme concern,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent, in a press release. As part of the Operation C.A.R.E. enforcement effort, Virginia State Police troopers arrested 96 impaired drivers for DUI—an increase from the 77 DUI arrests made over the July 4 holiday in 2014.

Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, Fauquier County Fire and Rescue, Fauquier Hospital and Fauquier County Public Schools will hold an emergency response exercise at Grace Miller Elementary School, 6248 Catlett Road in Bealeton, on Tuesday, July 21.

Outpatients in Virginia hospitals under observation orders from their doctors will be notified of their status, verbally and in writing, under a new state law that took effect July 1, 2015. Patients will also be asked to sign a form letter acknowledging that they understand they are outpatients, even though they may spend the night in a hospital bed and receive a meal.

Cycling Event Crash Investigation – On July 2nd at 12:20PM, investigators from the PWC Police Department Crash Investigation Unit responded to Prince William Forest Park in Triangle (22172) to investigate a crash involving multiple bicyclists participating in the 2015 World Police & Fire Games.

To ensure the Fourth of July holiday is as safe as possible, Virginia State Police has increased patrols during the long holiday weekend.

All students entering sixth grade must present proof that they have received the Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis before starting school this year. Virginia rules changed in 2014. Now, all sixth-grade students are included. There is no exemption for those under 11 years of age.

Columbia Gas of Virginia reminds homeowners, excavators and contractors to stay safe by calling 811 at least three working days before they begin to dig and pay attention to crews marking locations of underground utility lines. The national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, connects Va. residents with the Virginia811 call center.