Author: amberpadilla

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Product Recall Awareness During the Holidays 

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to stay aware of food and toy recalls during the holiday season. Recalls let consumers know if there have been possible illnesses or injuries associated with items they’ve purchased.

“We encourage everyone to be aware of safety recalls,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Recalls protect consumers when a safety issue is found in food or in consumer products like toys. Anything from a missing allergen label to burn and fire hazards can cause a recall. Once a recall has been initiated, consumers should check their pantries, refrigerators, or freezers, and their children’s toys for any recalled items. Community members should ensure their safety and the safety of their families by carefully following recall instructions for return or disposal of the items.”

RHHD encourages community members to look for recalls in the following places:

If you have purchased a recalled product:

  • Do not eat or use the product.
  • Return the food or toy for a refund, as instructed by the recall.
  • Dispose of the product safely, as instructed by the recall.
  • In the case of a food recall, clean surfaces, drawers, or utensils that came into contact with the food.

Follow these tips to ensure all holiday gifts are safe for children:

  • Make sure any toy you buy is age appropriate. Children under 3 should not use toys with small parts that can easily go into a mouth. If you’re not sure about size, try fitting toy parts through a toilet paper roll — toys that can pass through the roll will pose a choking hazard.
  • Follow all packaging instructions about safe usage.
  • If you’re gifting a bike, skates, or scooter, add a helmet to the package.

For more health and safety information, please visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

# # #
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.
Posted in pr

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Winter Weather Safety 

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts RHHD encourage community members to prepare for winter weather at home and on the road by building emergency kits and understanding cold weather hazards.

“Winter weather can be sneaky and unpredictable,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner.

“Whether you’re staying close to home with family and friends or making a long trip, be prepared with a winter emergency kit, get smart on the unique hazards presented by cold weather, and above all, know your limitations.”

RHHD offers these tips to help you and your family prepare for winter weather:

  • Keep at least one emergency kit at home and one in your vehicle. Ready.gov has a great list of basic kit necessities and options for making low-cost kits. If there’s a baby in the home, make sure the kit includes formula and/or breast milk supplies, diapers, and other necessary items. Anyone with prescription medications should place a few weeks’ worth in their kit. If you freeze or refrigerate breast milk or prescription medication, add a cooler to your kit checklist. Finally, Don’t forget about your pets.
  • Keep warm safely. The improper use of some heat sources can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or death. In the event of a power outage and freezing temperatures:
    • Avoid using stovetop burners or an oven to heat your home.
    • Keep generators outdoors and separate from the home.
    • If your car becomes stranded:<
      • Clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
      • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
      • While running the motor, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center.
    • Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
      1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
      Richmond, VA, 23222
      Call for availability at 804-653-5706
      Open 5 p.m. — 8 a.m.
      Line up for admission to IWS begins at 4 p.m. The IWS is for single men and women and can accommodate service animals. All guests will be provided a cot, dinner, snack, and breakfast.
    • 50-Bed Year-Round Family Shelter (no age requirements)
      7 North 2nd Street
      Richmond, VA 23219
      Access: Regional Coordinated Entry System: Greater Richmond Continuum of Care Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813.
  • Check weather conditions before driving. If you’re not familiar with driving in the snow, or your vehicle isn’t built for extreme weather, consider delaying your trip. A wet day with freezing temperatures overnight can create icy streets the following day. Visit the Virginia Department of Transportation for more winter driving tips.
  • Check for impairment before driving. Distractions, drowsiness, drugs, and alcohol can impair your driving. Traffic crashes are preventable. Keep loved ones and community members safe by arranging for a designated driver, making use of rideshares or the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s (GRTC) fare-free bus lines, or by gathering at home.

For more information and winter weather safety tips, visit ready.gov/winter-ready.

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.
Posted in pr

Be Recall Ready

Posted on by amberpadilla

Many of us are preparing more food or gifting more toys this month. Every meal and every gift should be joyous, and paying attention to recall notices can help!

Recalls let consumers know if there have been possible illnesses or injuries associated with items they’ve purchased.

How do I find out about recalls?  

There are lots of good resources for tracking recalls:

What do I do if I’ve bought a recalled product?  

  • Most importantly, do not eat or use the product!
  • Many recalls will include information about returning the food or toy for a refund.
  • If the product can’t be returned, dispose of it safely. Some recalls will include instructions.
  • In the case of a food recall, clean surfaces, drawers, or utensils that came into contact with the food.

There’s so much to consider with toy safety! How do I keep the kids in my life safe?  

Recall or no, follow these tips to ensure all holiday gifts are safe for kiddos:

  • Make sure any toy you buy is age appropriate. Children under 3 should not use toys with small parts that can easily go into a mouth. If you’re not sure about size, try fitting toy parts through a toilet paper roll—toys smaller than that will definitely pose a choking hazard.
  • Follow all packaging instructions about safe usage.
  • If you’re gifting a bike, skates, or scooter, add a helmet to the package!

Winter safety at home and on the road

Posted on by amberpadilla

Public health cares about residents living healthy, long lives. That means that we focus on illness, but we also pay attention to injury and community safety. In the winter, residents can face bad road conditions, cold temperatures, and power outages that make daily activities less safe.

RHHD’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ed Porner shares some tips for staying as healthy as possible this winter, no matter what the weather throws your way:

Rethink drives “over the river and through the woods” as conditions change.  

Ed says that a lot of us experience “Get-there-itis” over the holidays—we’re reluctant to change our plans when there’s snow, or even worse, ice on the roads. “It’s so important to know your limits,” he says. Check weather and road conditions before you leave for lengthy trips. If you’re not familiar with driving in the snow, or your vehicle isn’t built for extreme weather, consider delaying. And remember that a wet day with a cold overnight is a recipe for icy streets the next day!

It’s also important to check for any possible impairment before you start driving. Impairment can include drowsy, distracted, drugged, or drunk driving. Traffic crashes are preventable, so let’s do our part to keep loved ones and strangers alike safe by arranging a designated driver, making use of rideshares or Richmond’s fare free bus lines, or planning festivities at home.

Stock those emergency kits.  

Ed recommends having at least one emergency kit at home and one for your car. Ready.gov has a great list of basic kit necessities and options for making low-cost kits. It’s also good to start with the specific needs of your family. “If there’s a baby in the house, make sure there’s formula, diapers, or other items they need Anyone with prescription medications should have a few weeks’ worth,” Ed says. If you freeze or refrigerate breast milk or prescription medication, you’ll want to add a cooler to your kit checklist. Finally, “don’t forget about your pets!”

Know your heat sources.  

In the event of freezing temperatures or power outages, Ed wants people to stay warm, but to stay warm safely. Sometimes, a heat source that feels good in the moment can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning or even death:

  • Avoid using stovetop burners or an oven to heat your home.
  • Keep generators outdoors and separate from the house.
  • Use candles instead of your car’s heating system to warm yourself if you’re stranded. Ed explains that if snowfall blocks your tailpipe, fumes can enter the car. “Add a couple candles and a lighter to your emergency kit,” he says.
  • Know about your nearest Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center. “Richmond and Henrico both have great plans for how they’ll open warming centers when it gets really cold,” Ed says. Keep an eye on your locality’s announcements for options near you.

Emergency Preparedness and the whole RHHD staff wish you a warm, safe, and healthy December!

World AIDS Day: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress

Posted on by amberpadilla

Sunday, December 1, was World AIDS Day, an opportunity to mourn the more than 32 million people worldwide who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

In the U.S., the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” The Department of Health and Human Services says that, “This theme speaks to the remarkable advancements we have made in HIV care and prevention over the past four decades and to the ongoing effort to ensure that no communities are left behind as we work towards ending the HIV epidemic.”

RHHD’s PrEP Coordinator Bernard Stackhouse says that spending World AIDS Day both looking back and looking forward is important.

“We have to remember. And we also can’t forget how far we’ve come with medications and treatments,” he says. One of those game-changing medications is PrEP, or Pre-exposure prophylaxsis. PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sexual contact or injection drug use.

“Working in PrEP gives me that hope, that with a combination of prevention and treatment, we can end the spread of HIV. We have the tools, and we have to get people to use them. And the biggest parts of that are education and overcoming barriers that prevent people from taking their medication,” says Bernard. In honor of World AIDS Day, he shares some important information we should all know about PrEP:

  • PrEP can be for anyone. Bernard talks to people who sometimes think PrEP is only for men who have sex with other men, but he sees people with a range of experiences and identities in RHHD’s PrEP program. “I want anyone who is sexually active or who has any reason to feel like they might be at risk for HIV to come talk about PrEP,” Bernard says.
  • PrEP can be affordable. Bernard explains that there’s been a lot of progress in insurance coverage for both HIV prevention and treatment, but he knows that “insurance is overwhelming, period.” As part of the PrEP program, Bernard helps clients understand their insurance options for PrEP, apply for Medicaid, or access medication through pharmaceutical companies if they’re uninsured.
  • PrEP prevents lengthier, more permanent, treatment. “You can take PrEP for as long as you need, and you can stop or start again when you need to. If you contract HIV, though, you’ll need to stay in treatment for the rest of your life. Having that option is wonderful, because treatment medications are safe and effective, but I’d rather see people preventing HIV to begin with!”

Bernard feels hopeful about the future of HIV care. “The prevention side of it—PrEP—works. And we have the other side, which is treatment, and that works. If the people who need prevention can access prevention and the people who need treatment are in treatment, we’ve achieved what we were looking for. Now we’re just working against the barriers that make that difficult.”

Bernard and his teammates are here to help reduce barriers community members might face in accessing PrEP and other HIV prevention or treatment services. Get to know Bernard and RHHD’s PrEP program by visiting the website or calling 804-664-2125.

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Seek Preventative Care, Screening for HIV 

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1 by encouraging community members to seek preventative care, screening, and/or treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

RHHD offers a variety of sexually transmitted infection (STI) preventative measures, screenings, and treatments. Services include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication that is highly effective at helping prevent HIV. Community members interested in learning more about PrEP can call 804-664-2125. For more information about RHHD clinical services, including screenings, and to schedule an appointment, call 804-205-3501.

“We have to remember not to forget,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts PrEP Coordinator Bernard Stackhouse. “We can’t forget how far we’ve come with medications, and treatments. Working in PrEP gives me hope that with a combination of prevention and treatment, we can end the spread of HIV.”

Resource Centers at Southwood Apartments, Mosby Court, and Gilpin Court offer STI/HIV screening on a sliding scale during clinic hours. Community members can visit the Resource Centers page to view availability and hours. Community members can visit rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing to search for Virginia-based HIV testing options near them.

The following RHHD community partners also offer free STI testing services: Nationz Foundation (804-716-7597), Minority Health Consortium (804-225-0820), and Health Brigade (804-358-6343 ext. 2145). Community members can find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator.

For those living with HIV, RHHD offers low-cost or free HIV medication access, case management, and other support services for low-income or underinsured individuals through the Ryan White program. RHHD is a Ryan White Part B subrecipient.

In Richmond, proximity to resources like clinics and pharmacies, as well as insurance status, are still shaped by histories of redlining and segregation. In the U.S. people who identify as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to their population size, showing that effective HIV prevention and treatment are not adequately reaching these communities. People who identify as multiracial are also disproportionately impacted.

According to CDC, approximately 31,800 individuals acquired HIV in the U.S. in 2022. Among these:

  • Black/African American people accounted for 37% (11,900), even though they made up 12% of the population.
  • Hispanic/Latino people accounted for 33% (10,500), even though they represented 18% of the population.
  • Multiracial people accounted for 4% (1,200), even though they represented 2% of the population.

The Office of National AIDS Policy reminds public health organizations and community members to observe this annual event and remain steadfast in their commitment HIV infections and provide essential services to all people living with HIV globally.

The theme of World AIDS Day 2024 is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” According to HIV.gov, this theme encapsulates the U.S. government’s dedication to harnessing the significant progress that has been made through global and domestic HIV programs over the last four-plus decades, working to ensure that no communities are left behind.

# # #
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.

Diabetes Did You Knows

Posted on by amberpadilla

November is American Diabetes Month. Take 60 seconds this month to complete a prediabetes risk test, which can help you figure out if you need to take extra steps to prevent diabetes.

I’ve heard of diabetes, but what is prediabetes?  

People living with prediabetes have higher than normal blood glucose levels, but their levels aren’t high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. As many as 1 out of 3 Virginians are living with prediabetes, and many don’t know!

What happens if I have prediabetes? 

Prediabetes is reversible!

    • You can take steps to lower your blood glucose levels to make sure that prediabetes doesn’t turn into Type 2 Diabetes by focusing on diet and exercise. Consider adding a Turkey Trot and a few fresh greens to your Thanksgiving plans!
    • There are also lots of Diabetes Prevention Programs around the state that can help you on this journey: Find one near you on the VDH website.
    • Experiencing prediabetes can also be an important reason to give up smoking—together, smoking and diabetes can increase your risk for stroke or heart attack. Support your quit journey at Quit Now Virginia.

Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving

Posted on by amberpadilla

Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving
Health Officials Encourage Vaccinating Against Respiratory Illnesses Before Gathering with Family and Friends

RICHMOND, Va. – Turkey, stuffing, and family gatherings are on the horizon – and so are respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind residents that getting vaccinated now could help keep you and your loved ones healthy throughout the holiday season.

“Staying up to date on your vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent severe respiratory illness,” says Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Since we don’t have vaccines against all the germs that can make us sick this time of year, it’s especially important to get the vaccines we do have, like those against flu, COVID-19 and RSV.”

Health officials recommend everyone 6 months or older get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu. If you haven’t gotten the RSV vaccine and are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider about whether the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of the RSV vaccine and RSV antibodies.

Other prevention steps people can take to stay healthy include:

  1. Staying home when sick
  2. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
  3. Covering coughs and sneezes

“Staying home when you are sick is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect the ones you love from respiratory illness,” said Dr. Perry. “Simple prevention steps like washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes can also go a long way.”

For more information about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season and all year round, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

# # #
Media Notes:
Respiratory illness season b-roll is available here: https://youtu.be/TyXpJGfxeSc
Clip of Virginia’s State Epidemiologist Dr. Laurie Forlano talking about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season is available here: https://youtu.be/9o5LcxXG4gc 

# # #
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.
Posted in pr

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Report Rabies Case in Raccoon in Richmond 

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) would like to notify community members residing near the vicinity of Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond of a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) observed an aggressive raccoon walking in circles on Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond on November 16. The raccoon was impounded and tested positive for rabies. There are NO known exposures to any human or animal at this time.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Do not feed stray animals.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
  • Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.

For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.

# # #

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.

Posted in pr

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Free From Tobacco Program in Honor of The Great American Smokeout

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. – In support of The Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 21, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage Richmond residents who are interested in quitting tobacco to participate in the Free From Tobacco program. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

In Virginia, about 10,300 adults die each year from smoking, 1,600 non-smokers die each year due to secondhand smoke, and 6,900 children have lost a parent to smoking related death. Given current smoking levels, 152,000 children living today will ultimately die of smoking. Annual healthcare costs in Virginia directly caused by tobacco use are $3.61 billion.

“Statistics show that most people take multiple attempts to quit tobacco,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Free From Tobacco Coach Richard Baker. “We want clients to think more about what they’re buying and using. We’re helping people learn to feed another part of their brain to replace addictive behaviors.”

Free From Tobacco is a culturally competent one-on-one coaching program designed to remove barriers for Richmond residents who wish to quit smoking and remain abstinent from all tobacco products. Richmond residents interested in the Free From Tobacco program can call 804-482-8018 for more information or complete the intake form directly at rhhd.gov/tobaccofree. Benefits clients receive from their coach include:

  • Weekly in-person or virtual coaching sessions.
  • Education on tobacco cessation health benefits and strategies.
  • Background on the history of tobacco.
  • Access to videos and useful surveys.
  • Better management of potential chronic diseases for overall health and well being.
  • Connection to valuable resources such as Quit Now Virginia.

Quit Now Virginia is a statewide evidence-based cessation service for those who want to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco, nicotine, e-cigarettes, or vapes. Clients can receive one-on-one coaching sessions by phone, chat, or text, as well as group coaching. Virginia tobacco and nicotine users interested in quitting their addiction can contact Quit Now Virginia at 1-800-Quit Now (1-800-784-8669) or at quitnowvirginia.org.

According to the Virginia Department of Health Tobacco Control Program, smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. More than 41,000 of these deaths are from exposure to secondhand smoke.

# # #

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.

rhhd.gov | henrico.us/health | RCHD Facebook | HCHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd

Posted in pr