VADOC Celebrates Employee Health & Wellness Week

Agency News

August 17, 2026

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Director Joseph W. Walters has designated August 17-21, 2026 as Employee Health & Wellness (EHW) Week across the agency. 

Throughout the week, the VADOC’s Employee Health & Wellness Unit will provide corrections team members with opportunities to creatively promote wellness and incorporate healthy practices into daily routines.

This year’s theme for EHW Week is “Passport to Wellness.” Each day, VADOC employees are encouraged to focus on a different component of wellness:

• Monday's Focus: Mental Health & Mindfulness

• Tuesday's Focus: Physical Activity & Being Outdoors

• Wednesday's Focus: Rest & Rejuvenation

• Thursday's Focus: Healthy Nutrition & Longevity

• Friday's Focus: Community & Rewards

The VADOC encourages all facilities and offices to promote activities that support the elements of wellness this week. 

Created in 2022, the VADOC’s EHW Unit contributes to the Department's goal of enhancing public safety throughout the Commonwealth by fostering a safe workplace that supports the health and wellness of all VADOC employees, their families, and retirees. The EHW Unit offers resources, activities, and education focused on employee health and wellness needs.  

“As Virginia’s largest state agency, the Virginia Department of Corrections remains committed to ensuring every corrections team member, their families, and our retired team members have access to the support and resources necessary to responsibly and effectively serve the Commonwealth with dignity and integrity,” said Director Walters. “I encourage our employees to take advantage of EHW classes, resources, and initiatives, both this week and throughout the year.”

The EHW Unit is committed to providing evidence-based, comprehensive training sessions, events, and presentations that support and inspire healthy lifestyles. The unit supports eight core dimensions of wellness (emotional, intellectual, physical, social, financial, spiritual, occupational, and environmental) by promoting organizational, leadership, and individual strategies that strengthen well-being across the agency.