Author: amberpadilla

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

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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.

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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.

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

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Thank you, Nurse Practitioners!

Posted on by amberpadilla

November 10–16 is Nurse Practitioners Week. Nurse Practitioners are a critical part of our healthcare landscape—they make sure that as many residents as possible have access to a care provider.

In Virginia, we have more than 17,500 NPs, a few of whom work at RHHD! This week, we’re celebrating the following team members:

  • Tracey Avery-Geter
  • Allison Gregory
  • Christina Jennings
  • Patricia Newton
  • Gabriela Paniagua-Stolz
  • Christy Smith
  • Lisa Wiener

Clinical Health Nurse Manager Sarah Widmer says that “We are so grateful for the amazing team of Nurse Practitioners here at RHHD. They are passionate about public health, committed to high quality clinical services and incredibly caring providers. They meet each individual client where they are and provide extraordinary care, support and clinical service. Our NPs are the best!”

Our nurse practitioners have great bedside manner AND green thumbs!

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Partner with Mayor Levar Stoney to Provide Update on Health Equity Fund 

Posted on by amberpadilla

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:

  • Access to Healthcare and Education Resources
    • Health Brigade
    • Nationz Foundation
    • Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
  • Chronic Disease and Underlying Health Conditions
    • Community 50/50 
  • Food Access and Security
    • Richmond Food Justice Alliance
    • Shalom Farms
  • Maternal and Child Health
    • St. Luke Legacy Center Foundation
  • Mental and Behavioral Health
    • Empowering YOU for Positive Change
    • The Hive Mentality
    • Virginia Anti-Violence Project
  • Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and/or Recovery
    • Help Me Help You Foundation
    • REAL LIFE
    • WHO Counseling Services

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

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Calling it quits: RHHD supports tobacco cessation

Posted on by amberpadilla

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and 90% of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. If you are a smoker, quitting now is the best thing you can do to keep your lungs healthy.

RHHD sponsors a Free From Tobacco program, which helps Richmond residents quit smoking and other tobacco use. Free From Tobacco Coach Richard Baker says that individualized support is critical for someone taking this big step.

“Statistics show that most people take multiple attempts to quit. It can be such a hard habit or a learned behavior through family members, so we want clients thinking about what they’re buying and using more. We’re helping people learn to feed another part of their brain and to replace the activity.”

Richard wishes more people understood that tobacco cessation—quitting using tobacco products—should also include moving away from vaping. “While vaping may seem like the lesser of two evils, there are still many unknown variables associated with these devices,” he says.

If you’re a Richmond resident, get in touch with the Free From Tobacco program to figure out if personalized coaching and support is the right path for you. You can visit the FFT website or complete the intake form directly at rhhd.gov/tobaccofree. If you live outside Richmond or want to explore other resources, you can also visit Quit Now Virginia for coaching and support options!

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Announce 2024 Community Health Assessment Results

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the results of its 2024 Community Health Assessment (CHA). RHHD worked closely with healthcare professionals, partner organizations, subject matter experts, and residents across our neighborhoods to conduct the CHA. The CHA survey asked respondents what is and is not going well in their communities, as well as what health issues concern them most.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to community members and partners for providing a picture of the health status in our community,” said Richmond and Henrico Population Health Manager Tamara Jones. “We heard from a diverse range of voices, including those who are often underserved and underrepresented. What we learn from Community Health Assessment will make Richmond and Henrico healthier and more equitable places to live, work, and play.”

“Listening to the community is about more than learning what’s wrong,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Assessment Coordinator Jasmine Carmichael. “It’s about listening to the great ideas for change and progress each of us has when it comes to our neighborhoods. Institutions have a greater impact when they involve community members in decisions about their programs.”

When asked “What is going well in your community?” respondents identified school systems, access to places of worship, and public transportation. Respondents identified violence as an aspect of community life that is not going well. The health issues that respondents are most concerned about include violence, chronic health conditions, and mental health. Community members can view the full CHA results on the RHHD website.

RHHD’s CHA Steering Committee has evaluated the survey results along with other data about health and well-being in Richmond and Henrico communities and has identified three priority areas to be addressed in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP):

  1. Mental Health, including Substance Use Disorder
  2. Community Safety and Violence Prevention
  3. Chronic Diseases

Community members who would like to participate on the CHIP steering committee for one of the three priority areas can sign up using this link. RHHD encourages people interested in staying up to date on the CHIP process to subscribe to RHHD’s newsletter.

Richmond and Henrico residents between the ages of 18 and 88 responded to the survey (465 from Henrico and 661 from Richmond). RHHD collected demographic data on respondents’ gender identities or sexual orientations, income, geographic location, experience of illness or disability, and language background, ensuring that the CHA survey data reflects Richmond and Henrico’s diversity.

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

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Partner with Henrico Department of Social Services to Promote Safe Infant Sleep

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RICHMOND, Va. – In support of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) partners with Henrico County Department of Social Services (HDSS) to encourage expecting and new parents and caregivers to talk their pediatrician or other healthcare provider about creating a safe sleep environment for children under the age of two.

“Knowledge is the key to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Safe Sleep education helps families protect babies during a potentially dangerous time. We educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices as part of the Low Income Safety Seat Program.”

“In Henrico, we are collaborating across agencies to provide families with opportunities for education, understanding, and support regarding safe sleep practices for children under the age of two,” said Henrico County Department of Social Services Assistant Director of Service Programs Mandi Green. “We are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Henrico’s youngest residents and their families.”

RHHD and HDSS offer the following tips for creating a safe sleep environment. For more tips and information, visit the National Institutes of Health Safe to Sleep campaign.

  • Always place babies on their backs for naps and when they go to sleep at night.
  • Make sure the sleep surface is firm, flat, level, and covered only with a fitted sheet.
  • Share a room with babies for at least the first six months. Give babies their own sleep space (crib, bassinet, or portable play yard) in your room, separate from your bed.
  • Take the #ClearTheCrib Challenge and remove any extra items in the sleep area including soft objects, toys, and crib bumpers.

Approximately 3,700 infants die every year from sleep-related deaths in the U.S., the largest percentage of non-natural infant deaths.

For more information, call RHHD at 804-205-3501 and HDSS at 804-501-4001.

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CHA Priorities: Mental Health 

Posted on by amberpadilla

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Take action: If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call or text 988 for immediate support. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides people with a trained crisis counselor to talk them through a crisis. In some situations, the lifeline may dispatch emergency services to come help the person directly.

RHHD’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) revealed three major areas where residents saw big health challenges:

Today, we’re focusing on Mental Health. More than 30% of you said that mental health concerns—including anxiety, depression, and self-harm—were one of the biggest health issues currently facing our communities.

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) will help RHHD decide how to address this important issue. A first important step is the Richmond and Henrico Regional Resource Guide to Substance Use and Behavioral and Mental Health. The guide provides a detailed list of service facilities that address substance use, along with mental health and behavioral health. The tool is the result of a year of hard work from Anna Back, Elle Merkle, and Lashawnda Singleton. RHHD’s Director of Community Programs Margo Webb calls this trio “invaluable” because of their expertise and their willingness to ask deep questions across our community.

Why does the guide focus on substance use AND mental health?  

Data show that people with mental health illnesses may be more likely to experience Substance Use Disorder, too. A “co-occurring disorder” is when someone has to navigate substance use disorder and a mental health illness at the same time. SAMHSA estimates that 21.5 million Americans experience co-occurring disorders.

RHHD’s Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, D’atra Franklin, has experience working with people experiencing substance use disorder. “Many individuals turn to substances as a way to cope with untreated mental health issues, leading to a cycle that exacerbates both conditions,” she explains. By integrating mental health treatment into SUD interventions, we can improve outcomes, reduce stigma, and allocate resources more effectively. Ultimately, recognizing and treating these co-occurring disorders is essential for fostering healthier populations and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.”

What does the guide do?  

Margo says that the guide is useful for people who need a combination of substance use and mental health resources: “Because substance use and mental health run together for many reasons, it can be hard to distinguish how best to treat those things. We need to untangle what mental health means for each individual and to understand the landscape of what’s available. The guide attempts to lay out some of those steps.”

Why does public health need to focus on mental health?  

Margo explains that mental health connects to other CHA priority areas like community safety and chronic disease. “There are so many ways that mental health permeates our society,” she says. “All crises in my opinion have multiple layers. Your individual situation affects your family. When enough families are affected, that’s a neighborhood. Mental health threads through the fabric of humanity, so it’s definitely in our wheelhouse.”

“In public health, we always talk about holistic health, so that means everything—head to toenails, inside out. I think mental health is definitely public health.”

How can I get involved?  

For Margo, the guide is an important first step, but it “can’t always capture the reality of the process.” As RHHD embarks on Community Health Improvement Planning, resident participation can help us learn what is and is not working for our community members. “Starting with people is always the best place to begin,” Margo says.

Do you have ideas about how to support community mental health or how to reduce the impact of substance use disorder? If so, you can join RHHD’s Community Health Improvement Planning Committee by filling out this interest form!

Welcome to RHHD’s Adolescent Health Team, Cindy Pulido!  

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Take action: Adolescents can have their own mental health challenges. Cindy recommends opening conversations with young people in your life in a patient and non-judgmental way: “A simple ‘how are you feeling?’ or ‘what’s on your mind?’ can be the start of a breakthrough.

Cindy Pulido is one of RHHD’s newest staff members! She joins our Population Health team as the Adolescent Health Coordinator.

Tamara Jones, the Population Health Manager, says that Cindy will be working closely with RHHD staff and community partners to design programs and initiatives focused on promoting the health and well-being of adolescents through the City of Richmond: “Cindy brings a wealth of experience, including implementing evidence-based interventions, grant writing, research, and extensive leadership in health programs. Her diverse background and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Adolescent Health Program!”

As Cindy settles into Adolescent Health and life in our region, she shares a bit about her journey here and what’s next:

 

Cindy’s family and hometown steered her toward public health.  

Both of my parents are from Mexico and moved to Washington state for a better life and to work in agriculture. I grew up in a small rural town that didn’t have a lot of access to opportunities or a sense of networking.

I knew I wanted a job that would help my community, because my family and I struggled to access health care. Seeing my family having to navigate those systems, I felt like I had to help even when I was younger. I wanted to be a nurse growing up but public health classes shifted my focus. They made me realize I’d already been doing some of this work all my life. Public health showed me how I could take on a bigger role and reach the community.

 

Cindy thinks adolescent well-being is key to public health’s mission.  

I like that public health is usually preventive. Instead of dealing with the aftermath of a problem, it’s often about fixing the problem before it even starts. Adolescent health focuses on that preventive care. We’re thinking, “while youth are in this transitional stage, what resources can we provide, what programs can we help create, what relationships can we help build when these young folks are just trying to figure it out?”

Just take yourself back to when you were an adolescent and remember how hard the day-to-day was. And if it wasn’t hard for you, imagine it being harder if you’re dealing with problems adolescents shouldn’t have to be dealing with, like if a family member is going through Substance Use Disorder. That time of being an adolescent is so crucial to creating your path in life. I love being able to nourish the adolescent population and give them whatever they need to thrive in whatever situation they end up in. They’re all so unique—you have first generations like me, who might have struggled with parents who never went to high school, not really knowing how to navigate homework help. You might have people who are dealing with domestic violence at home. We’re trying to focus on every young person’s health and wellness. These are our future workforce, our future leaders, so it’s really important to focus on them.

 

Cindy sees youth confronting unique and urgent challenges.  

We can all agree that mental health is a huge topic that we need to work with collaborators to address. Vaping and fentanyl are both big issues, not only within our youth, but with older adults in their lives who might be struggling with addiction.

I’ve also been realizing that some our high schools have lower graduation and college readiness rates. I’d love to find ways to bring more attention to life after high school and preparation for it during high school. We need to help youth get the resources and confidence they need to successfully make that transition.

And the access to social media now can have positive and negative impacts on youth. Seeing all these things on the internet, like people living “perfect lives,” could make you feel like you’re not good enough. It can affect your ability to focus, your confidence, and that can all contribute to mental health.

One thing that’s wonderful about working in Richmond is that there are a lot of resources for adolescents who have expressed interest in mental health services. Traditional therapy services can be located through organizations like the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, and there are alternative therapeutic experiences like artistic expression (Art 180 is a great example!)

Right now, our team is working closely with the schools to educate and provide presentations on fentanyl and naloxone use. Our goal is to be another wonderful resource cultivating safe environments in which adolescents can seek help. We will be working with community partners as well as with the youth themselves to push back on these barriers our young people face!

 

Cindy answers our teen-focused lightening round!  

    • Favorite high school fashion trend: Skinny jeans and hoodies.
    • Most likely to be on the car radio: Drake.
    • Favorite school subject: I loved the challenge of math.
    • Best afterschool job: Working at the movie theater. There wasn’t much to do in my town, so people hung out there. I always knew the tea!


Cindy Pulido, RHHD’s new Adolescent Health Coordinator!

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Take Steps to Prevent Lead Poisoning

Posted on by amberpadilla

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to to take steps to prevent lead poisoning, to test for lead in homes built before 1978, and to talk to a healthcare provider about testing children for lead poisoning. October 20-26 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

For questions about lead testing for homes and children, RHHD encourages community members to talk to their healthcare provider, explore RHHD’s list of local pediatricians, or call RHHD’s Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Initiative at 804-205-3727. The Lead Safe and Healthy Homes initiative offers a collaborative approach that considers people’s well-being, a home’s condition, and the potential hazards to people’s health.

RHHD recommends the following steps to help prevent lead poisoning:

  • Wet-clean floors and windowsills in the home regularly.
  • Wash children’s hands and toys frequently.
  • Be aware of chipping paint in the home. Use lead-safe practices to make sure painted surfaces are maintained or repaired. Improper paint repairs could create more hazardous lead poison conditions. Call the Health Department for advice.
  • Be aware of toys, jewelry, dishes, pottery, and foods that may contain lead.
  • Be aware of hobbies or jobs that may involve working with lead (stained glass making, pottery, painting/construction work).

Families should consider the following factors when assessing their risk of lead poisoning:

  • Older homes can contain lead-based paint and hazardous lead dust levels. Homes built before 1978, the year the EPA banned lead-based paint, may still contain lead paint. Young children are most at risk for lead poisoning through lead dust and lead paint exposure. In the Richmond Metropolitan area, the Lead Free Water program has reduced water-based lead risks. A new federal rule requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.
  • Lead can exist in bare soil. New homes may be built on lots that still have lead dust in the soil. Families should limit the amount of time children play in bare soil, keep outside toys outside, and encourage hand washing.
  • Nutrition can provide some protection from lead poising. Kids who get enough food—and especially iron, vitamin C, and calcium rich foods—are less likely to absorb high levels of lead. RHHD offers access to healthy foods for children through the WIC Supplemental Nutrition program.

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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.

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

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by amberpadilla

In October, we recognize one of the most commonly occurring cancers nationwide: Breast cancer.

Breast cancer is easiest to treat when doctors find it early, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about risk factors and screening.

If you are at average risk for breast cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce recommends beginning breast cancer screening once you are 40 years old. Here are some options for finding screenings like mammograms near you:

  • The FDA keeps a list of mammography facilities around the country. You can visit their website and search by your zip code for a good option.
  • RHHD’s list of area primary care providers can help you choose a PCP who is right for you.
  • VDH sponsors Every Woman’s Life, a free breast and cervical cancer screening program for people who meet program guidelines.
  • The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation runs a services fund that supports screening for those who are uninsured or underinsured

 

Health Literacy Check: The American Cancer Association has great multilingual resources on breast cancer. Find and share information about mammograms in Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese.