Last Updated: November 7, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Health Equity Fund partnered with Mayor Levar Stoney, members of City Council, and community organization representatives to announce newly funded Health Equity Fund (HEF) partners, announce the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) application process, provide updates on existing programs, and announce new funding secured to continue the HEF after its federal American Rescue Plan Act resources are fully spent. These announcements were made at a press conference on Thursday, November 7 at St. Luke Legacy Center in Richmond.
The Richmond Health Equity Fund invests in community-led programs, initiatives, and leaders to improve health and quality of life in communities experiencing deep health disparities and the longstanding impacts of racism.
In October 2021, the City of Richmond established the Health Equity Fund to focus on key areas of health disparity through an initial investment of $5 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Since then, the HEF has diversified its funding source to include City of Richmond non-departmental funding and investments from The Community Foundation, Schaberg Foundation, Atlantic Union Bank, and the Robins Foundation.
To-date, the HEF has designated $3.2 million, including $989,205 in new funding and an additional $388,240 in continued funding for community-based organizations providing services in the following areas:
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Access to Healthcare and Education Resources
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Health Brigade
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Nationz Foundation
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Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
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Chronic Disease and Underlying Health Conditions
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Community 50/50
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Food Access and Security
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Richmond Food Justice Alliance
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Shalom Farms
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Maternal and Child Health
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St. Luke Legacy Center Foundation
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Mental and Behavioral Health
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Empowering YOU for Positive Change
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The Hive Mentality
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Virginia Anti-Violence Project
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Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and/or Recovery
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Help Me Help You Foundation
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REAL LIFE
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WHO Counseling Services
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The HEF is seeking new community members with professional and/or lived experience with health challenges in Richmond to join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Committee members have a direct impact on the work of the of the Health Equity Fund. Together with our public health staff, the CAC selects partner organizations like the ones list above to receive funding. The CAC application will remain open until November 26. If you are interested in learning more, we will be hosting a virtual information session at noon on November 12.
Individuals, organizations, or collaboratives that are interested in applying for an HEF investment, can submit applications in the spring of 2025.
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.
Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation (RHPHF) is RHHD’s nonprofit partner, advancing public health initiatives that serve our communities.
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