For Immediate Release: October 15, 2026
Contact: Charlotte.Gomer@governor.virginia.gov
RICHMOND, Va. — Today Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa announced that Virginia ranks among the nation’s leaders in the health of women and children, according to the 2026 Health of Women and Children Report from America’s Health Rankings, a project of the United Health Foundation.
Virginia ranked 13th overall among all 50 states and Washington, DC, with the Commonwealth earning top rankings across a range of measures that reflect the health and well-being of women and children.
Virginia ranked No. 1 in the nation on measures related to children’s access to food and mental health treatment, and among the top states for women’s overall health, safe and integrated communities, and low e-cigarette usage among children. Virginia also ranked No. 4 nationally for protecting women from intimate partner violence before pregnancy.
“These rankings are worth celebrating, and I’m grateful to the people who care for Virginia’s women and children every day,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. “We have a lot to build on, but we won’t be satisfied until every family can get the care and support that they need to build the life they want.”
The report also found that Virginia performs particularly well across measures related to physical environment, including air and water quality, climate and health, and housing and transportation.
The findings build on the Spanberger Administration’s work to improve health outcomes for women and children across the Commonwealth. In the opening months of her administration, Governor Spanberger signed a package of bipartisan legislation — commonly known as the Momnibus — to improve and expand healthcare coverage for Virginia mothers and families, particularly women who face the highest risks. Bills included in the Momnibus expanded access to maternal mental healthcare screenings, directed the Department of Health to develop a reporting system to better track Severe Maternal Morbidity, improved care for high-risk mothers by expanding Medicaid reimbursements to include remote monitoring of pregnant women at greater risk of heath complications, and directed the Commissioner of Health to assess a future statewide maternal health safety initiative.
Governor Spanberger has remained laser-focused on the safety and well-being of children in Virginia. Earlier this year, the Governor signed bipartisan school safety legislation to ensure Virginia teachers have the resources and training to respond to emergencies. These include strengthening training on red flag laws, helping teachers identify student mental health challenges, and modernizing internet safety education.
Governor Spanberger is also working alongside legislators to make healthcare, housing, and energy more affordable, accessible, and reliable for Virginians. The Governor signed bills to crack down on rising prescription drug costs, increase the supply of available housing, and protect Virginia families and small businesses from increased energy costs.
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