Category: pr

• Mondays & Wednesdays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 4:30 p.m.
• Fridays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Mondays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12:30  – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Thursdays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesdays – 8:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) encourage families to schedule appointments for rising 7th and 12th graders to receive their school-required immunizations and/or physicals. Families can schedule appointments with their primary care provider or attend an at-school immunization and physical clinic provided by RHHD and RPS in June and July. For these at-school clinics, physicals can be scheduled using this link and immunizations are offered on a walk-up basis.

“Its a great time to see your primary care provider for your wellness visit and get the vaccines your child needs,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “Richmond and Henrico Health Districts partners with Richmond Public Schools to provide another convenient place to get the required 7th and 12th grade vaccines to ensure students stay healthy and start school on time.”

“We want every student ready to learn on the first day of school, and physicals and immunizations are a critical component of that,” said Richmond Public Schools Chief Wellness Officer Renesha Parks. “We’re proud to partner with Richmond and Henrico Health Districts to offer these services to families easily and free of charge, in locations that are also offering families summer learning, meals, and other community resources. At RPS, we love you here.”

Rising RPS 7th and 12th graders are invited to attend at-school immunization and physicals clinics. These events are for RPS students only. See below for additional immunization appointment options.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
  Booster dose required after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry.
• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
  The first dose shall be administered after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry.
• Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), Effective July 1, 2021
  Two properly spaced doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (for males and females). The first dose shall be administered after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry. Parents may opt-out of this vaccine after they have received information from RPS and are encouraged to speak with their child’s pediatrician to make an informed decision. Students are not excluded for HPV non-compliance.

• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) Effective July 1, 2021
  Two properly spaced doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). The first dose shall be administered after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry. The second dose shall be administered prior to entry to the twelfth grade. One dose is required for 12th -grade entry if the first dose is received at or after 16 years of age.

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts encourage residents to complete the 2024 Community Health Assessment. A Community Health Assessment (CHA) is an anonymous survey that can be completed online or on paper that tries to answer big questions: What’s helping our neighborhoods stay healthy and well? Which communities need more resources to solve harder problems? A CHA shows community leaders and officials what health and social issues matter most to community members.

“The CHA will support our continued efforts towards improving the overall health and quality of life of Richmond and Henrico residents,” said Jasmine Carmichael, RHHD health equity specialist. “We can only make these improvements when we hear directly from residents who will be impacted.”

Richmond and Henrico residents can fill out the CHA in English or Spanish until July 31 either online at rhhd.gov/2024-CHA or by visiting one of the following locations and using a paper form:

RHHD Henrico East Clinic
1400 N. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23223

RHHD Henrico West Clinic
8600 Dixon Powers Dr.
Henrico, VA 23228

RHHD Cary Street Clinic
400 E. Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23219

RHHD Resource Centers
Whitcomb, Creighton, Fairfield, Gilpin, Hillside, Mosby, Southwood

Paper copies of the CHA will also be available at a variety of community events throughout the summer. CHA responses are anonymous and no personally identifiable information will be collected. Residents who need help completing the survey or have questions are encouraged to contact RHHD Health Equity Specialist Jasmine Carmichael at Jasmine.Carmichael@vdh.virginia.gov.

Community members and stakeholders can follow the progress of the CHA by signing up for RHHD’s weekly newsletter.

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) observe Asthma Awareness Month in May and encourage residents to connect with a physician for diagnosis and care if they or their children are experiencing the symptoms of asthma, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. These symptoms may be worsened by a cold or the flu. The American Lung Association emphasizes the connection between asthma and climate change:

Climate change is causing extreme heat, contributing to poor air quality, increased allergens, extreme weather events, and more frequent and intense wildfires. Hot, humid air can cause asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Heat can trigger asthma symptoms because high temperatures and humidity can trap pollutants that can irritate the airways. Humidity helps common asthma triggers, like dust mites and mold to thrive. Air pollution, ozone, and pollen also increase when the weather is hot and humid.

American Lung Association

“We know that where a person lives can greatly impact their health,” said Becca Bruhl, RHHD Children’s Health Advisor. “Unfortunately, Richmond is one of the most challenging cities in the US to live in when you have asthma, according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. At RHHD, we’re working together with local school and health systems to implement asthma education and intervention programs, advance policies and improvements to improve indoor and outdoor air quality and improve access to primary and specialty care to help people with asthma get the treatment and support they need to thrive.”

“Local governments have a lot of tools at their disposal to protect residents from extreme heat and improve local air quality at the same time,” said Peter Braun, RHHD Built Environment Policy Analyst. “Investing in tree planting, growing parks and greenspaces, and prioritizing active transportation have significant public health benefits.”

RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Residents can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc. RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to use the month of May to make sure their child’s asthma action plan is in place for the coming school year. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.

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

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Nurses Week May 6 – 12. National Nurses Week gives staff and residents the opportunity to recognize nurses for their service and dedication to caring for others.

RHHD’s own Nicole McCurrach has been named Virginia Department (VDH) of Health Central Region Nurse of the Year, making her a candidate for VDH Nurse of the Year for the entire commonwealth. Nicole is a dedicated and experienced public health nurse with a diverse work history in various healthcare settings including the Newborn Nursery in a hospital setting, child/adolescent mental health unit, home healthcare delivery, and public health nursing. Nicole was integral in RHHD’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics, administering vaccines to the community and providing educational presentations about the importance of vaccination. Since then, Nicole has been instrumental in RHHD public health clinics and rabies response work.

“Nicole embodies a passionate, spirited public health nurse who is focused on serving our community, no matter what the work entails,” says Amy Popovich, RHHD  Community Health Nurse Manager. “She is dedicated, hard-working, and quality-driven. She makes clients feel comfortable and addresses their needs while making sure they receive accurate and timely medical information. We are thankful to have Nicole on our team!”

RHHD Nurses will participate in celebratory breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. For more information on how RHHD is celebrating National Nurses Week, look for daily updates on social media and on Well Read, the RHHD blog, at rhhd.gov/blog.

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

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Public Health Week April 1 – 7. National Public Health Week gives staff and residents the opportunity to reflect on the life-saving and enriching work that public health professionals do to serve Richmond and Henrico residents and help them thrive. 

“The heart of public health is our public health workforce,” says RHHD Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “It’s wonderful to take time each year to recognize the amazing work they do to support our communities. This is a week for celebration and gratitude.”  

RHHD has accomplished the following in service of its mission to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs: 

• Collaborated with Richmond Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools nurses to distribute of 945 doses of school-required immunizations for 714 middle and high school aged children at 27 in-school events, spring 2024 to date. 
• Announced, through the Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation, $351,000 in new funding on Jan. 22, 2024, for community partners addressing social determinants of health including substance use disorder, maternal child health, and mental and behavioral health. 
• Provided Community Health Workers at 409 local Outreach and Community Events in 2023. 
• Completed 5018 food service inspections throughout Richmond and Henrico in 2023. 
• Completed 73 Healthy Homes Assessments and 119 Healthy Homes phone education and consultations in 2023. 
• Distributed 1240 boxes of Narcan (each containing two doses of the opioid overdose reversal medication) at community events and encounters and 43 boxes at Resource Centers in 2023.
   

For more information on how RHHD is celebrating National Public Health Week, look for daily updates on social media and on Well Read, the RHHD blog, at rhhd.gov/blog. 

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 

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate distribution of 945 doses of school-required immunizations for 714 middle and high school aged children at 27 events in Richmond and Henrico public schools. RHHD began its Spring 2024 immunizations effort in February and will support more events into the late spring and summer. Students received vaccinations for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) and Meningitis (MenACWY). RHHD nurses coordinated with and provided support to Richmond and Henrico public school nursing staff for these in-school events. 

“We’ve really hit the ground running this spring,” said Ashley Lancaster, RHHD Public Health Nurse Supervisor. “We’ve gotten an earlier start this year, which means more students will be ready for the 2024-2025 school year on day one. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with RPS and HCPS school nurses and school administration, ensuring that students receive these important vaccines.” 

“RPS is excited to get every family ready for the first day of school, and to expand our wraparound support as a means to eliminate barriers,” said RPS Chief Wellness Officer, Renesha Parks. “We’re grateful for the RHHD’s partnership in making this happen and all of the RPS nurses and support staff who remain committed to student health and wellness.”  

“This jump-start on immunizations is a game-changer for many of our students,” said Dr. Amy Cashwell, HCPS Superintendent. “It not only addresses student health needs but also helps reduce absenteeism by ensuring students aren’t delayed in enrolling or attending school because of missing vaccinations. 

In addition to receiving immunizations at in-school events, families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling (804) 205-3501 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides free vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC provider using this tool rhhd.gov/vfc.

Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their primary care physician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners and can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners. 

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 

Richmond Public Schools’ Health Services Department provides student-centered wellness in an effort to keep students in school
and ready to learn. Medical supervision and services are provided with daily assessments and management of student health needs. 

rvaschools.net | Facebook: RVASchools | IG: @rvaschools 

Henrico County Public Schools, an innovative leader in educational excellence, will actively engage our students in diverse
educational, social and civic learning experiences that inspire and empower them to become contributing citizens. 

www.henricoschools.us | Facebook  | Instagram | Twitter | Heart of Henrico 

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) are partnering to offer in-school immunization clinics in February and March. RPS families are encouraged to sign the RPS-provided consent form and have their 6th and 11th graders receive their school-required immunizations ahead of the traditional Back-to-School season. 

“Now is a great time for all 6th and 11th graders to receive their required immunizations for the next school year,” said RHHD Nurse Manager, Amy Popovich. “In-school clinics provide a convenient way for families to stay up to date on these safe and effective vaccines, making sure their child is ready to start the next school year strong.” 

“Our vaccination program is a vital part of our Wellness and health efforts at RPS, said Chief Wellness Officer, Renesha Parks. “Partnering with RHHD means that families and students can take care of a critical step in the enrollment process without needing to leave the school building. We’re committed to lowering barriers facing our students and grateful to everyone who makes this possible.”  

Current 6th and 11th graders at the following schools are invited to attend on-site immunization clinics. These events are for the students at each school only. See below for additional immunization appointment options. 

The following immunizations for 6th graders will be provided at these events:  

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
  Booster dose required after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry.
   
• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
  The first dose shall be administered after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry. 

The following immunizations for 11th graders will be provided at these events: 

• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) Effective July 1, 2021
  Two properly spaced doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). The first dose shall be administered after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry. The second dose shall be administered prior to entry to the twelfth grade. One dose is required for 12th -grade entry if the first dose is received at or after 16 years of age. 

Also required but not provided at these events: 

• Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), Effective July 1, 2021
  Two properly spaced doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (for males and females). The first dose shall be administered after age 11 and prior to 7th grade entry. Parents may opt-out of this vaccine after they have received information from RPS and are encouraged to speak with their child’s pediatrician to make an informed decision. Students are not excluded for HPV non-compliance. 

Immunization Appointment Opportunities for Families Whose Children Cannot Attend an In-School Event 

Families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling (804) 205-3501 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides free vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC provider using this tool rhhd.gov/vfc.

Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their primary care physician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners and can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners. 

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  

Richmond Public Schools’ Health Services Department provides student-centered wellness in an effort to keep students in school and ready to learn. Medical supervision and services are provided with daily assessments and management of student health needs. 

rvaschools.net | Facebook: RVASchools | IG: @rvaschools 

RICHMOND, VA —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Wednesday, Feb. 7 by encouraging Black Richmond and Henrico residents to get tested and seek treatment. This day also creates the opportunity for healthcare providers and policy makers to reflect on the ways racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect those seeking and receiving HIV prevention and treatment services. 

This year’s NBHAAD theme is “Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.” This theme focuses on amplifying the dialogue around HIV/AIDS, improving education, and highlighting success stories and strategies. RHHD, along with community partners, offers services that include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that can reduce a person’s chance of contracting HIV after an exposure.  

“RHHD is committed to expanding access to HIV testing and PrEP for our Black residents,” said Clinical Nurse Supervisor, Cassie Beamon. “We hope that National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will encourage more community members, especially Black women, to seek the care they need.” 

In 2021, 40% of all people living with HIV in the U.S were Black. But Black Americans only made up 14% of the population taking PrEP. Beamon sees a similar discrepancy in populations taking PrEP locally. In Richmond, proximity to resources like clinics and pharmacies, as well as insurance status, are still shaped by histories of redlining and segregation.   

For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call (804) 205-3501 or visit rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing. The following RHHD community partners also offer STI testing services: Nationz Foundation (804) 716-7597, Minority Health Consortium (804) 225-0820, and Health Brigade (804) 358-6343 ext. 2145. Residents can find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator. 

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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