Markez Johnson wins Rookie of the Year award
Last Updated: April 11, 2025 Our newest Ryan White non-medical case manager, Markez Johnson, received the Virginia Ryan White Rookie Non-Medical Case Manager of the Year prize. When Markez Johnson, RHHD’s newest Ryan White non-medical case manager, showed up at the Ryan White summit in Roanoke this spring, he didn’t know he’d be leaving a...Continue reading→
The time to plan for extreme heat? Now!
Last Updated: April 11, 2025 Heat was a challenging part of our public health work in 2024. During a hot summer, our Community Health Workers helped distribute almost 50 air conditioning units to families living without them, and our Built Environment Policy Analyst Peter Braun worked with researchers from University of Richmond and VDH central...Continue reading→
A different kind of “well” for public health
Last Updated: April 11, 2025 Environmental Health plays a huge role in RHHD’s public health work. In 2024 alone, this team conducted 4557 food service inspections, investigated 1,799 animal bite incidents to prevent rabies, and worked with more than 200 well and septic system applications—whew! Mike Callahan says that RHHD’s well and septic system expertise are...Continue reading→
Black Maternal Health Week by the numbers
Last Updated: April 11, 2025 April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week. “This observance gives us an opportunity to live into our public health mission of promoting healthy living and preventing disease,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Through public health data, we know that our Black families are at the...Continue reading→
2025 Health Equity Fund applications are live!
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 The Richmond Health Equity Fund (HEF) is now accepting applications for its 2025 funding cycle. The application period will remain open until March 30, 2025. You and your organization can apply for support online. What’s the Health Equity Fund? The HEF seeks to fill gaps in funding and resources for...Continue reading→
Thank a social worker!
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 March is National Social Work Month. At RHHD, social workers are integral to the work we do, particularly when it comes to addressing the Social Determinants of Health. Is this term new to you? Show social workers extra gratitude by learning more! SDoH highlight how issues like housing, employment,...Continue reading→
Get smart about drugs and alcohol
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 This week is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week! The observance focuses on educating young people about the science of drug use and addiction. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, a teacher, or someone who cares about the youth in your life, we can all use more tools for navigating...Continue reading→
Severe Weather Awareness
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 It might feel like we’ve only just finished our winter weather (good riddance!), but that means it’s time to start preparing for spring severe weather, like tornadoes and flash flooding. RHHD’s Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator, Ed Porner, says that our spring preparations require a little more planning ahead than...Continue reading→
RHHD in the News: “Every child vaccinated is a success”
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 RHHD is making headlines! Director Dr. Elaine Perry recently appeared in an article for The Richmonder to discuss the need for childhood vaccines. Dr. Perry talks about the way vaccines protect children—and their classmates—against some of our most contagious diseases. She celebrates our partnership with Richmond Public Schools, which works...Continue reading→
World TB Day gets local with RHHD
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 March 24, 2025 is World TB Day. The observance celebrates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Although the observance highlights TB’s history and global reach, it’s important to know that TB is still very much with us and it impacts...Continue reading→
Measles: What do I need to know?
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 You’ve probably seen information about measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, along with confirmed cases in other states. Although there are not currently any confirmed measles cases among Virginia residents, it’s still important for us to educate ourselves about this highly contagious and dangerous disease. The good news is...Continue reading→
Fall in love with public health, thanks to Dr. Elhassan!
Last Updated: February 13, 2025 In January, RHHD welcomed our new full time Medical Director, Dr. Sarah Elhassan. A medical director helps a health department or other medical service make sure that their work stays connected to updated best practices. As the Medical Director, Dr. Elhassan is getting to know RHHD’s staff and work broadly....Continue reading→