Where does public health take you?
While I’m located at the Cary Street office, the Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Initiative provides lead poisoning prevention to homes all over the City of Richmond. We conduct childhood lead poisoning surveillance and care coordination for elevated lead levels. We also do property inspections and risk assessments and we lead education on asthma, the lead code, and landlord-tenant responsibilities.
Where did you start your work at RHHD?
I was hired in 1990 with the RHHD Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Initiative. Over the course of the years, I’ve held various positions. I retired in 2020 and returned as a contractor in 2021.
Where does public health need to go next?
Some of the most important public health needs within the City of Richmond are gaining access to resources such as affordable medical, dental, and mental health care services, insurance (Medicare and Medicaid) translation and transportation services; affordable and safe housing, access to food, and education.
Where do you find rest or rejuvenation?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friend, baking and reading a good book. Right now, I’m reading Coming Home, by Stacy Hawkins Adams—I’m a romantic!
Random Round: Would you rather be a ghost or a dog?
I’d rather be a dog because dogs are great companions no matter what you’re doing. Dogs provide endless entertainment, they are loyal, they know no bounds, they keep us healthy and active and most of all they are a woman’s best friend.