Introducing the 2026 Action Plan for a Healthy Virginia:
A Roadmap for Supporting Youth Wellbeing Across the Commonwealth
March 16, 2026
At Prevention Connections, our mission has always been clear: empower communities across Virginia to support healthier futures for young people through improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and tobacco prevention and cessation. For more than two decades, we’ve worked alongside educators, healthcare providers, community leaders, parents, and statewide partners to advance the health and resilience of the next generation.
Today, we’re proud to introduce the newly updated 2026 Action Plan for a Healthy Virginia—a comprehensive, youth-focused guide designed to help leaders in every sector create environments where healthy habits can take root and thrive.
A Strong Foundation Updated for Today’s Realities
The Action Plan for a Healthy Virginia was first released in 2019 following years of research and collaboration among Virginia’s top experts in weight-related health. The original plan quickly became a trusted resource for organizations working to strengthen youth health across the Commonwealth.
But public health is always evolving. As new data emerges, best practices shift. To ensure that communities have access to the most accurate, evidence-based information, Prevention Connections updated the Action Plan earlier in 2026 to reflect the latest research on promoting healthy weight and preventing chronic disease.
The updated plan builds on the strengths of the original while integrating new findings, refreshed data, and a clearer, more actionable focus on youth prevention—because lifelong health starts early.
Why This Plan Matters Now
Healthy environments don’t happen by accident—they are created through informed decisions, strong partnerships, and intentional policies. Whether you are a:
- Parent
- Teacher or school administrator
- Healthcare practitioner
- Business or faith community leader
- Local or state government official
…you play a critical role in shaping the health of Virginia’s children and teens.
The 2026 Action Plan is designed with you in mind. It breaks down what truly works, why it matters, and how any organization—big or small—can make meaningful progress.
The Eight Behaviors That Shape Lifelong Health
The core of the Action Plan centers around eight everyday behaviors shown through research to have the greatest influence on healthy weight and overall wellbeing:
- Breastfeeding
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods
- Moving more
- Decreasing screen time
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress through mindfulness
- Decreasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
These behaviors may seem simple, but their impact is profound—especially when communities work together to make them accessible and achievable for all young people.
Designed for Action, Built for Collaboration
Beyond outlining the eight behaviors, the Action Plan offers:
- Practical strategies to use in schools, workplaces, community settings, and homes
- Data-driven insights to guide decisions and measure progress
- Tools and recommendations for developing programs, shaping policies, and strengthening partnerships
It’s not just a publication—it’s a roadmap for coordinated, community-driven change.
A Look Ahead: Continuing Momentum Throughout The Year
As we share the updated Action Plan, we’re also preparing for the Champions for Youth Summitin May 2026, where leaders, partners, and young people will come together to advance prevention efforts and uplift youth voices. The insights and strategies in the Action Plan will play a central role in shaping the conversations ahead.
Learn more and register here🌟
Be Part of Building a Healthier Virginia
The health of our youth is one of the strongest predictors of the future health of our Commonwealth. With the right tools, resources, and partnerships, we can build communities that support healthier habits and brighter futures for every child.
👉 Download the 2026 Action Plan for a Healthy Virginia and join us in creating lasting change—one behavior, one community, one young person at a time.
Download the Plan