RHHD Encourages Community Members to Test Their Homes for Radon

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. January is National Radon Action Month.

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas resulting from Uranium decay found in certain types of soil and bedrock. Indoor radon exposure is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Radon exposure may contribute to 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year in the United States, including almost 700 cases per year in Virginia.

“High radon test results have been found in every county in Virginia and your results might be significantly different than your neighbor’s,” said Virginia Department of Health Radon Coordinator Ryan Paris. “Radon testing is an inexpensive step that you can take to protect your health and the health of your family members.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies radon risk areas as Zones 1, 2, or 3. Virginia has 46 counties and 15 cities that are classified as Zone 1 (high risk), and 24 counties and 8 cities classified as Zone 2 (moderate risk). To detect an indoor radon problem, it is essential to test homes, workplaces, and other indoor areas. Please visit vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/testing/ for more information on radon testing and mitigation.

Community members can order short-term, do-it-yourself radon test kits from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for a $4 shipping fee. Tests can be ordered at vdhradon.org now through April 30 while supplies last.

Three Things to Do During National Radon Action Month

Community members with confirmed test results of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. This system can usually be installed in one day and consists of PVC piping connected to a fan which runs constantly to draw out the radon gas from beneath the home and vent it outside and away from anyone’s potential breathing space. Please visit the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program to find professional, certified radon mitigators and testers in Virginia.

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.
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Provide Guidance for City of Richmond Boil Water Advisory

RICHMOND, Va. – Effective Monday, January 6, the City of Richmond, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory immediately and until further notice for residents served by the City of Richmond’s water system. This includes all residents in the city of Richmond. It is urgent that impacted residents take conservation steps immediately and boil water before consuming it.

All residents of Richmond and commercial businesses on city water must follow the guidance of boiling all water until the Boil Water Advisory is lifted. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least a minute and then let it cool before using.

This advisory comes after a winter weather storm-related loss of power today impacted the City of Richmond’s water reservoir system, causing the system to temporarily malfunction. Capacity restoration services are currently underway.

Below is a checklist for safe water use during this time:

  • Do not drink tap water during this boil water alert.
  • Do not drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities.
  • Do not use ice made from water today.
  • Discard the ice and sanitize the ice machine and/or ice trays. Likewise, do not use water or dispensed directly from a refrigerator.
  • Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
  • Do not wash your dishes using tap water – use boiled water or use paper plates for the next few days.
  • Do not wash your fruits and vegetables with tap water – use boiled or bottled water.
  • Do not brush your teeth with tap water — use boiled or bottled water.
  • Do not cook with tap water, unless your food will be boiled vigorously for one minute.

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts strongly advise that people take the following steps to prevent illness from contaminated water:

  • Cover any scratches, cuts, or open wounds when taking a shower.
  • When washing dishes using boiled water, let the water cool until hands can comfortably be inserted and immerse dishes, then let them air dry. Alternately, bottled water can be used, or use one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of clean water (no detergents). Do not use your dishwasher to wash dishes, as it uses the same public water system. “Single-use” items (paper plates, etc.) are an option.
  • Do not rely on household filters that are purchased over the counter as they will not remove bacteria from the water. Most filters use carbon, and those filters do a good job of taking out taste and odors but do not take out other contaminants.

Please visit the City of Richmond website for updated information on the Boil Water Advisory.

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

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.

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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.
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Winter Weather Safety 

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

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.

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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.

Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving

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.

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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 

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

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/.

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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.

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

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

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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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Announce 2024 Community Health Assessment Results

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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