Public Health's Heather Williams Named Virginia’s Nurse of the Year
Published on May 11, 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington Public Health, part of Arlington County’s Department of Human Services (DHS), announced today that Heather Williams, RN, has been named Virginia’s Nurse of the Year by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
This recognition completes a rare sweep of local, regional and statewide nursing honors in 2026.
Earlier this year, Williams was also recognized as Northern Virginia Regional Nurse of the Year and Arlington Public Health Nurse of the Year, distinctions that place her among a small group of nurses statewide to earn all three honors in the same year.
The statewide award was formally announced during VDH’s annual Nurse of the Year celebration, hosted this year at Arlington County’s Sequoia Plaza (DHS Campus) on Monday, May 11, 2026.
“Earning recognition at the local, regional and state levels in the same year is exceptional,” said Dr. Deidra D. Parrish, MD, MPH&TM, Director of Arlington Public Health. “Heather’s work reflects the very best of public health nursing. She leads with compassion, clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to equity, and her impact is felt every day by students, families and the broader community."
Williams has served Arlington as a member of the Arlington Public Health team for more than six years and currently works as the public health nurse at Wakefield High School, part of Arlington Public Schools. In this role, she provides direct clinical care and helps students and families navigate access to medical care, dental services and other essential community and health-related resources.
In 2025, Williams connected at least 115 students to community health providers and administered 271 vaccines through the school-based clinic. Her work prioritizes equitable access to care for all students regardless of race, language, background or insurance status.
Beyond the school setting, Williams plays a key role in adolescent health education and substance use prevention efforts countywide. She contributes to teen health initiatives, serves as a nurse educator with Arlington’s Teen Parenting Program and volunteers as a mentor to teen mothers through YoungLives, part of the Young Life organization. She also serves as a Community Engagement Coordinator with the Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative (AARI), helping lead more than 10 outreach and education events in 2025 focused on overdose prevention and harm reduction.
"Heather's work is a powerful reminder that public health happens in many spaces, not just in clinics,” said State Health Commissioner, Dr. Cameron Webb. "When a nurse shows up with that level of dedication, compassion, and commitment to working in partnership with the community, she's not just providing care, she's building trust that can last a lifetime. Virginia is proud to recognize her."
Williams’ triple recognition highlights the essential role public health nurses play in advancing prevention, health equity and community well-being across Virginia.
“I am giving back through education and sharing kindness and empathy, which every human deserves,” shared Williams when asked about her motivation. This philosophy guides her work and her service to the Arlington community.
Arlington Public Health and the Department of Human Services congratulate Williams on this extraordinary achievement and thank her for her continued service to Arlington’s students, families and community.
About Arlington Public Health
Arlington Public Health is part of Arlington County’s Department of Human Services and works to protect and improve the health of all who live, work and learn in Arlington. The department provides a range of services including disease prevention, immunizations, maternal and child health programs, school health services and emergency preparedness. Arlington Public Health advances health equity by partnering with the community to support healthy people and healthy communities.