Tag: richmond and henrico health districts

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Firearm Safety Tips

RELEASE                                                                                                       June 5, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Firearm Safety Tips

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 5

 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to take steps to prevent firearm injury and death. National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 5 and marks the start of Wear Orange Weekend, June 5-7. Firearm-related injuries and deaths are a major public health concern for families and neighborhoods in Richmond City, Henrico County, and across Virginia. RHHD urges residents and partners to support prevention efforts that build safer, healthier communities.

“Community safety means prevention, response, and healing,” said Tamara Jones-Groves, population health manager at Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “National Gun Violence Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to share practical steps—like safe firearm storage—and support families and communities

impacted by violence.”

Firearm safety tips

  • Store firearms unloaded and locked with a firearm safe, locked box, trigger or
    chamber lock.
  • Store and lock ammunition in a separate place from your firearms.
  • Remove firearms from your home if you have a depressed or suicidal family member.

Firearm safety tips for parents and caregivers

  • Before you send your child to someone’s house,
    • Ask if firearms in the home are stored unloaded and locked.
    • Ask if the ammunition is stored separately.
    • Ask if there are shotguns and rifles in the home too, not just handguns.
    • Invite the children to play at your home if you have doubts about the
      safety of someone else’s home.
  • Talk to your child about risk.
    • Talk with your children about the risk of firearm injury in places where they visit or play.
    • Teach your child that if they find a firearm, they should leave it alone and tell an adult right away.
    • Teach your child that if another child shows them a weapon, they should leave the room and immediately and tell an adult.

Richmond City and Henrico County firearm injury emergency department and death data

According to VDH Firearm Injury and Death data, in 2025 there were 261 emergency department visits by Richmond residents for firearm injury – down from 361 visits in 2024. There were 71 firearm deaths in Richmond city in 2023 – up from 64 in 2022. During the years 2019 – 2023, 246 (74%) of these deaths were homicides and 81 (24%) were suicides.

In 2025 there were 120 emergency department visits by Henrico County residents for firearm injury – up from 115 visits in 2024. There were 43 firearm deaths in Henrico County in 2023 – down from 61 in 2022. During the years 2019 – 2023, 122 (51%) of these deaths were homicides and 111 (46%) were suicides.

Note on 2024 death data: A federal government shutdown occurred from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. During this time, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) was affected. Because NCHS finalizes death certificate data, there were delays in finalizing death certificate records. Data for 2024 will be added to the dashboard when final data are available.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Trauma Healing Response Network

RHHD serves as the Operating Agent for the Trauma Healing Response Network (THRN) and coordinates the THRN as part of an overall gun violence prevention program. RHHD’s Violence Prevention Program Manager and Trauma Healing Response Network Coordinator identify THRN partner organizations, determine funding allocations for THRN partners based on activities and services they provide to impacted families, liaise with schools where families impacted by gun violence attend, and manage THRN data collection and evaluation.

THRN supports three critical pillars of the City of Richmond’s Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention Framework:

  • Crisis intervention & wrap around services
  • Intensive case management
  • Credible messengers

THRN coordinates, tracks, and monitors community-based, culturally responsive, resident-led programs to facilitate healing and respond to acts of gun violence through an evidence-based, trauma-informed lens.

The THRN’s initial interactions with impacted families often occur in the immediate aftermath of an incident of gun violence. The THRN follows the family’s lead to determine what they need and are ready to receive. THRN support connects people to services through partner organizations; 60 days of case management following an incident of gun violence; and/or connections to longer-term mental health and resilience services.

In fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) to date, THRN network partners:

  • Provided more than 927 Community Wellness Checks
  • Served 880 families
  • Provided $35,060 in emergency funds disbursed directly to support impacted families
  • Supported 10 relocations
  • Responded to 126 relief requests with 111 approved relief decisions (88.1% approval)
  • Prevented four retaliations
  • Provided 40 grief support groups
  • Responded to 52 shootings

More information about the Trauma Healing Response Network is available at THRN’s Instagram and Facebook pages. For details about the RHHD Violence Prevention Program, contact Tamara Jones-Groves at Tamara.Jones-Groves@vdh.virginia.gov or call 804-774-9776.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage You to Have an Asthma Action Plan

May 26, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage You to Have an Asthma Action Plan

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

 RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members with asthma to talk to their primary care provider about keeping an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. A child’s up-to-date Asthma Action Plan should be shared with their caregivers and summer camp staff. Individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, should talk to a healthcare provider. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“One of the best things families can do to support a child with asthma is to keep an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan and share it with caregivers, school, and summer camp staff,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts School Health Coordinator Carolina Lugo. “An asthma action plan provides clear, step-by-step guidance so kids, caregivers, and school staff know how to manage symptoms, reduce or prevent flare-ups, and respond quickly in an emergency. It’s an important tool that helps children stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.”

Richmond is considered an Asthma Capital according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. The Richmond region also ranks 14th on the list of most challenging places to live with a pollen allergy in the U.S.

How to manage asthma and allergies

RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child’s school nurse and summer camp staff have a copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Parents can find more information on the RHHD School Health Hub and at the VDH Enrollment Forms and Action Plans page.

Here are some steps you can take to help manage asthma for your families during the summer months.

  • Make an appointment with your healthcare provider and your child’s pediatrician over the summer.
  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep asthma under control.
  • Share your child’s Asthma Action Plan with your school nurse and summer camp staff.
  • Manage your home’s indoor air quality.
  • Wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands properly, and stay away from sick people.
  • Make sure you and your family get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and eat healthy food.
  • Make a plan to get updated vaccines for respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 when they become available.

RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Community members can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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RHHD Announces 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan  

May 18, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

 

RHHD Announces 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the release of the Richmond City and Henrico County 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP is a roadmap for improving the health and well-being of our community.

“We continue to work across Richmond City and Henrico County to ensure residents have access to resources and opportunities they need to live healthy, safe, and well,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “We express gratitude for the community members and partner organizations joining us on this shared path forward.”

RHHD developed the health improvement plan using the findings of the 2024 Richmond City and Henrico County Community Health Assessment (CHA). It focuses on the following priority areas:

  • Chronic Disease
  • Community Safety & Violence Prevention
  • Mental Health (Including Substance Use Disorder)

The CHIP established goals for each priority area, including:

  • Expanding community blood pressure monitoring efforts and heart health education
  • Expanding access to nutritious foods
  • Supporting Vision Zero Task Force Initiatives to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries
  • Strengthening partnerships with organizations that address domestic violence
  • Increasing access to youth and adult mental health resources
  • Addressing substance use-related harms

Many of these goals align with the obesity, mental health, and substance use priorities of Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being.

RHHD partners with local healthcare systems, community-based organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and community members. Together, these partners developed strategies grounded in evidence-based practices with an emphasis on sustainability and equity. The CHIP will be updated once a year and an annual report will be shared. To support CHIP efforts, contact Caroline Best at Caroline.Best@vdh.virginia.gov.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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RHHD Encourages Community Members to Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

May 11, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

 

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke
May is American Stroke Month

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Strokes happen when something blocks blood flow to the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts—it’s sometimes called a “brain attack” for this reason. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in Virginia (behind cancer, heart disease, and accidents). May is American Stroke Month.

“You can save a life by learning the signs and symptoms of a stroke,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “The sooner someone gets medical care after a stroke, the better chance they have of recovery.”

People experiencing a stroke need quick, professional medical care. The most important step you can take to help is calling 911 as soon as you spot the signs and symptoms of a stroke. RHHD recommends this helpful phrase for remembering the signs and symptoms of a stroke: BE FAST.

  • Balance (loss of balance, headaches, or dizziness)
  • Eyes (blurred vision)
  • Face (one side of the face drooping)
  • Arm (arm or leg weakness)
  • Speaking (speech difficulty)
  • Time (call 911 immediately)

Not every person experiencing a stroke will demonstrate all these symptoms, so you should call 911 if you spot any of these symptoms. For more resources, please visit rhhd.gov/stroke-smart.

Flu, RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines have been linked to reduced risk of stroke and other cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory events in older adults.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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RHHD Highlights the Importance of Infant Immunization

April 20, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Highlights the Importance of Infant Immunization

National Infant Immunization Week is April 20-27

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and guardians to make sure that children two years and younger are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against these potentially life-threatening diseases. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 20-27.

“The rise of vaccine-preventable diseases in this country and in the Commonwealth of Virginia should concern us all,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “Once eliminated in the US, there have now been 17 confirmed cases of measles in Virginia in 2026. Infant and child immunization against diseases like measles gives parents and guardians powerful tools that can help protect one of our most vulnerable populations from serious illness and death.”

Virginia Childhood Immunization Requirements

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. These vaccines should be given based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Parents and guardians can view the Virginia childhood vaccine schedule on the VDH website.

Where to get infants immunized

Families without health insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to find pediatric care providers. Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their child’s pediatrician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. For more information, parents and guardians can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax.

RHHD offers childhood immunization appointments at its Cary Street,  Henrico East, and Henrico West, clinics. Parents and guardians can call 804-205-3501 to make an appointment. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff is available at all locations.

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer free immunizations to children (younger than 19 years of age) who are uninsured or underinsured; Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled; and/or American Indian or Alaska Native. Families can search for a VVFC provider near them using rhhd.gov/vfc.

Infant Immunization Studies

A 2024 study published in The Lancet looked at the effect of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which was launched in 1974 to improve global access to life-saving vaccines. The study found that, since 1974, vaccination saved 154 million lives, including 146 million among children younger than 5 years, and 101 million infants younger than 1 year. Measles vaccination accounted for 93.7 million lives saved (60.8%) of the 154 million total lives saved over this 50-year period. Measles vaccination was the single greatest driver of lives saved by vaccination, across all years in every region and all World Bank income strata.

National Infant Immunization Week

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance held in April, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Virginia Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations.

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov.

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RHHD Highlights Black Maternal Health Services

April 13, 2026 Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Highlights Black Maternal Health Services

Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17 by highlighting services for women offered at RHHD clinics, offices, and resource centers.

“Pregnancy is a journey often marked by beautiful and challenging moments, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Black Maternal Health week gives us an opportunity to stop and reflect on the unique maternal child health concerns of Black birthing individuals. Public health data shows us that Black families experience elevated rates of maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birth weight and infant mortality. These outcomes can be changed one pregnancy at a time!”

RHHD offers the following programs and services for reproductive and maternal and child health:

·       Ensuring women have control over reproductive health

  • RHHD offers Family Planning and STI clinical services at its Henrico East, Henrico West, and Cary Street (STI only) clinics, as well select resource centers. All services are offered on a sliding scale based on financial availability. Family Planning visits offer the following services:
    • Gynecological check-ups
    • Breast self-exam instruction
    • Birth control methods & counseling
    • Pap smears and screening tests for sexually transmitted infections
      • Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria. Mothers who have syphilis while pregnant may not have any symptoms but can pass the infection to their babies and cause severe health problems. Syphilis can be transmitted to the unborn child at any stage of infection, though it is most contagious during its primary and secondary stages.
        • Cases of congenital syphilis have been rising in Virginia and in the Central Region, which includes Richmond City and Henrico County, since 2016.
        • Screening for syphilis can help to prevent transmission. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) revised its syphilis screening recommendations for sexually active people aged 15-44 to be based on rates of all stages of syphilis among women 15-44, instead of only primary and secondary cases. Expanding the guidelines to include the rate of all stages of syphilis ensures a more accurate representation of counties with high syphilis rates among women, including counties with congenital syphilis diagnoses that would otherwise have been left out. VDH recommends that pregnant persons get screened during the first trimester, early third trimester, and at delivery.
      • RHHD clinics also provide regular screening for other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C based on personal risk factors and sexual history.

 

  • RHHD also offers HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services at its Henrico East Clinic and Cary Street Clinic. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). PrEP may also be an option to help protect pregnant people and their babies from getting HIV while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Virginia residents can contact the RHHD PrEP team at 804-664-2125.

·       Improving access to maternal health

  • The Maternity Navigation team supports expectant parents with pregnancy confirmation, connection to prenatal care, benefits enrollment, and material distribution. Richmond residents seeking Maternity Navigation services can call 804-482-5454. Henrico residents seeking Maternity Navigation services can call 804-501-5520.

Maternal Health Data

Each year in the United States, hundreds of people die during pregnancy or in the year after. Thousands more have unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery with serious short- or long-term health consequences. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs, providing timely treatment, and delivering respectful, quality care can prevent many pregnancy-related deaths.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare and underlying chronic conditions. Social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.

Tips for pregnant women and their families

  • Talk to a healthcare provider if anything doesn’t feel right or is concerning.
  • Seek immediate care if experiencing any of the urgent maternal warning signs, including severe headache, extreme swelling of hands or face, trouble breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, overwhelming tiredness, and more. These symptoms could indicate a potentially life-threatening complication.
  • Share recent pregnancy history during each medical care visit for up to one year after delivery.
  • Connect with healthcare and social support systems before, during, and after pregnancy.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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

March 24, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourage Community Members to Seek Preventative Care, Screening for Tuberculosis

March 24 is World TB Day

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to seek preventative care, screening, and/or treatment for tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. World TB Day is on March 24.

Local and state TB data

Data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) show that Richmond City (3.1) and Henrico County (3.0) had higher rates of TB cases per 100,000 people than Virginia (2.6) in 2024. In 2024, Virginia reported 225 cases of tuberculosis (TB), a 9% increase from the 207 cases reported in 2023. This increase was expected as local and national TB numbers continued to increase after declines in reported cases during the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia’s TB case rate increased from 2.4 cases per 100,000 persons in 2023 to 2.6 cases per 100,000 persons in 2024. Virginia’s 2024 rate, as it has in the past, remained below the national rate of 3 cases per 100,000 persons.

“Tuberculosis continues to have an impact on public health in our commonwealth and our districts,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “World TB Day reminds us of the importance of prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment of this serious infectious disease.”

Impact of TB

TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB can die if they do not get treatment. People with TB disease are most likely to spread the germs to people they spend time with every day, such as family members or coworkers. People who have been around someone who has TB disease should contact their doctor or local health department for tests. RHHD staff can help people determine which TB test they need.

There are two TB-related conditions: active tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or inactive TB. People with active TB disease usually feel sick, have symptoms and can spread TB to others. People with LTBI do not feel sick, do not have symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. Most people with inactive TB don’t know that they are infected. The RHHD Tuberculosis Program strives to prevent, identify, and treat tuberculosis in both its latent and active forms.

The general symptoms of active TB disease include:

  • Feelings of sickness or weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

The symptoms of active TB disease of the lungs also include:

  • Coughing (especially a cough that won’t go away)
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up of blood

TB testing and treatment

Call 804-482-5500 to schedule an appointment with the RHHD Tuberculosis Program. isit rhhd.gov for more information on RHHD clinical services, including screenings.

Active TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for six to 12 months. It is very important that people who have TB disease take the drugs exactly as prescribed for the entire length of the treatment. People who stop taking the drugs too soon can become sick again. If the drugs are not taken correctly, germs that are still alive in the body may become resistant to those drugs. Treating inactive TB or LTBI prevents the future development of active TB disease. RHHD’s TB outreach workers make sure clients have what they need to stay on track with their medication.

People at higher risk of developing active TB from inactive TB include:

  • People with HIV
  • Children younger than 5 years of age
  • People recently infected with TB bacteria
  • People with inadequately treated active TB
  • Anyone who’s immune system is suppressed either from a medical condition or medications that are taking (TNF alpha antagonists, system steroids, etc.)
  • People with Diabetes
  • People with low body weight
  • People who are medically underserved

World TB Day is recognized each year on March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children Before Summer

March 19, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children Before Summer

 RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to schedule a wellness visit for children with their primary care provider before the summer months. These visits allow children to receive school-required immunizations and physicals before summer travel and activities.

Vaccines provide essential protection against serious diseases that can affect children. As of March 19, 2026, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has already reported 14 cases of measles. VDH reported five cases of measles in all of 2025. A safe and effective vaccine that prevents measles is given as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine series.

Families can schedule appointments with a primary care physician or one of RHHD’s community partners. RHHD provides resources for families on Medicaid, Medicare, or who are uninsured at rhhd.gov/connect-pc. Please visit RHHD’s School Health Hub, Richmond Public Schools, or Henrico County Public Schools for more information.

“Spring is a great time for your child to see their primary care provider for a wellness visit,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “A primary care provider will make sure your child gets the immunizations and physicals they need for school and sports. Taking care of these important visits now means kids will have more time for summer fun and will be ready for school in the fall.”

School-Required Immunizations

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrollment. The Code of Virginia also requires specific vaccinations for rising seventh and 12th graders. According to data from VDH, vaccination rates for Richmond City and Henrico County 13-year-olds are lower than Virginia statewide rates for the following vaccines:

  • meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY),
  • human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

The Virginia childhood vaccine schedule aligns with the schedules of the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). All vaccines on these schedules are covered by Medicaid and private health insurance.

The Virginia Vaccines for Children Program (VVFC) provides free or low-cost vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC at 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. Families can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners.

Families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling 804-205-3500 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. Students must bring a guardian, a copy of immunization records, and an insurance card if they have one.

School Physicals

The Code of Virginia requires children to have a school physical before starting public kindergarten or enrolling in elementary school for the first time. During a physical, a doctor can:

  • Identify potential health issues that could impact kids’ learning
  • Ensure kids have the immunizations they need
  • Promote healthy habits

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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RHHD Encourages Severe Weather Awareness

March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages Severe Weather Awareness

March 9 – 13 is Severe Weather Awareness Week

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making preparations for severe weather. March and April are traditionally the most active months for tornadoes in Virginia. Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9 – 13.

“Severe weather can happen with little to no warning, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Local Health Emergency Coordinator Alyssa Lewis. “While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are! It’s never too late to make sure you, your family, friends, and neighbors are signed up for trusted community alerts, have an emergency plan, and have well-stocked emergency kits. Taking a little time now to prepare can give us peace of mind year-round!”

RHHD recommends the following tips for preparing for severe weather:

  • Locate safe shelters in the places you spend the most time. In each location, find a small room or hallway with no windows, preferably in a basement or first floor. Once you’ve identified your shelter, communicate that plan with family members or coworkers so everyone knows where to go when a tornado warning sounds.
  • Choose a reliable news source and stay up to date on the weather.
  • Consider participating in Virginia’s statewide tornado drill March 10 at 9:45 a.m.
  • Register for an in-person or online SKYWARN class to learn how to spot and report dangerous storm systems.

RHHD recommends the following tips for staying prepared for emergency situations:

  • Store important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification documents, and bank account records, in a waterproof, portable container or save them electronically.
  • Keep medications in a central location for easy evacuation if needed.
  • Prepare a “go-bag” with clothes, toys and toiletries for five days.
  • Know, and practice, your safe spaces and exits.
  • Identify friends, neighbors, and relatives who might need extra help during an emergency, including older adults, people with disabilities, and those without transportation. Create a phone tree or contact strategy to check in on them.
  • Choose a central spot to reunite with your family if separated.
  • Richmond residents should sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts. Henrico County residents should sign up for Henrico County Community Emergency Notifications.
  • Update your insurance yearly and consider flood insurance. Most insurance companies do NOT pay for flooding damage through a standard homeowner’s policy.

Visit ready.gov for more emergency preparedness tips. Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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Love Safely This Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

 

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day

Get Free Condoms from Richmond and Henrico Health Districts

 

RICHMOND, Va.– It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is also National Condom Day! One of the simplest ways to show you care is to protect the health of those you love. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) provide free condoms to support safer and healthier sexual relationships.

Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and dinner dates. RHHD reminds you that protection should also be part of the plan.

“Using a condom is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your sexual health,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “When used correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV. Add condoms to your list when you are picking up flowers and chocolates. Let romance include protecting your sexual health and your partner’s!”

Virginia STI Data

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a serious public health concern in Virginia.  More than 54,000 STIs were reported in Virginia in 2024. The increase in syphilis diagnoses among women is of particular concern. The rate of newly diagnosed syphilis cases among women increased 144% from 2020 to 2024. For the same time period, newly diagnosed syphilis cases among all genders increased 117% in Richmond City and 65% in Henrico County.

Cases of congenital syphilis, when a pregnant person passes syphilis to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, increased for the fifth straight year in Virginia. In 2024, 35 cases of congenital syphilis were reported among newly born infants, the highest case count observed in more than 30 years in Virginia.

Where to find free condoms

Because many STIs, including syphilis, often show no symptoms, you can spread them without knowing it. Using condoms consistently and correctly is an effective way to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

The Virginia Department of Health distributes condoms statewide through its Condom Distribution Program, which is designed to reduce HIV and other STIs through free access to protection.

Free condoms are available at RHHD and through community partner organizations. Call 804-205-3500 to locate free condoms nearby.

Organizations interested in becoming distribution sites should contact the HIV-STD Hotline Supervisor at HIV-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov. Participating organizations may order up to 100,000 condoms per year.

RHHD can also help you decide if medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) is right for you. Call 804-664-2125 to get started.

Make this Valentine’s Day a night to remember, not a diagnosis you want to forget.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

 

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