Author: bryanhooten

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

 

RHHD Commemorates National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Feb. 7 

 

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Wednesday, Feb. 7, by encouraging Black and African American community members in Richmond City and Henrico County to get tested and seek treatment. This day 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. 

National, state, and regional HIV/AIDS data 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, Black/African American persons made up approximately 12% of the population of the United States but accounted for 37% (11,900) of the estimated 31,800 new HIV infections.    

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data from 2023 show that Richmond City (26.5) and Henrico County (14.7) both had higher rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (by health district) than Virginia as a whole (10). In the Central Region, which includes Richmond and Henrico, there were nearly twice as many Black people living with HIV than all other races and ethnicities combined. 

“We are several decades removed from the hardest days of the HIV epidemic in the United States, but the stigma around HIV still persists,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Through education and ensuring access to preventive care and screening, we can continue the great progress that public health has made in reducing the effects of HIV on Black communities.” 

RHHD HIV/STI services 

RHHD offers clinic-based sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing appointments at its Cary Street, Henrico East, and Henrico West clinics. Visit rhhd.gov/sti for information and to view testing appointment options. Use rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing to search for Virginia-based HIV testing options near you.  

RHHD also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a daily medication that is highly effective at helping prevent HIV. To learn more about PrEP, call 804-482-5493. 

People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658. 

Community Partner Testing Options 

The following RHHD community partners offer free STI and HIV testing services:  

• Nationz Foundation: 804-716-7597 

• Minority Health Consortium: 804-225-0820 

• Health Brigade: 804-358-6343 (ext. 2145) 

• VCU Ryan White Program: 804-828-0289 

Use the CDC testing site locator to find a testing site near you. 

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

# # #

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.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 
 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Prioritize Heart Health 

February is American Heart Month 

 

RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of American Heart Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to take action to prioritize heart health. 

“Heart health continues to be one of the top areas of health focus in our community,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “Our 2024 Community Health Assessment showed that Richmond and Henrico residents and community partners see chronic disease as a top health priority. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to support heart health in the region. We encourage folks to promote their own heart health by quitting smoking, getting regular physical exercise, and eating heart-healthy foods.”  

Heart disease data 

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) chronic disease data from 2023 show that Richmond City and Henrico County had hospitalization and death rates for cardiovascular disease higher than statewide rates. According to CDC data from 2023, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Virginia, Richmond City, and Henrico County.  

RHHD offers the following tips for choosing heart-healthy foods and activities: 

• Check your blood pressure. Read more about ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure. Here are some helpful tips for talking with a doctor to manage and check your blood pressure. You can also measure and track your blood pressure at home. 

• Take steps to quit smoking by contacting RHHD’s Free From Tobacco program on the web or by calling 804-482-8018. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Quit Now Virginia, which includes free telephone or web-based counseling services, Text2Quit support, self-help materials, and referrals to local resources. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia Website. 

• Choose healthy meals and snacks. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet and choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fat. Try heart-healthy recipes from the American Heart Association. 

• Make physical activity a regular part of your day. Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This type of exercise could be a brisk walk, running, or bicycling. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day. 

• Get vaccinated. Flu, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory events in older adults. Adults over 65 and people with chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to severe complications from these illnesses. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half American adults live with some type of cardiovascular disease and are more likely to experience severe illness that may result in hospitalization or death.
   

Healthy Hearts Initiative 

As part of the VDH Healthy Hearts Initiative, RHHD Cardiovascular Health Community Health Workers support community members with hypertensive conditions by providing: 

• Connections to primary care providers 

• Nutrition and exercise education 

• Blood pressure monitoring 

Community members can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to find local primary care providers. Community members can visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. 

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

# # # 

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.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 
 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm 

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond City and Henrico County are expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, including snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) urge you to prepare now to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe, warm and healthy during this storm. 

“We have all experienced how disruptive winter weather can be to our daily lives,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Take time now to make sure your home, family, friends, and neighbors are ready for this winter storm. Prepare for the storm by organizing your emergency kits and medicines, insulating your home, and staying up to date on weather reports. During the storm, stay indoors as much as possible, ventilate emergency heat sources and check on friends and family. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as winter weather affects our communities.” 

Before the Storm 

• Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand and keep an emergency kit for your car. 

• Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines. 

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  

• Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources. 

• Weatherproof your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows. 

• Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts. 

• Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center. Call 804-646-3111 or email homeless@rva.gov for more information. 

• • City of Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
    1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
    Richmond, VA, 23222
    Open 5 p.m.-8 a.m.  

• • The shelter may remain open after 8 a.m. when temperatures are less than or equal to 40°F, or when more than one inch of freezing rain or snow has fallen in 24-hours.  

• Richmond Public Library branches serve as warming spaces during normal operating hours. 

• Henrico County libraries and recreation centers are open to the public during normal operating hours. 

During/After the Storm 

• Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water. 

• Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold. 

• Properly ventilate emergency heat sources. 

• Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home. 

• Check on neighbors and family. 

If you must go outside, take the following precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia: 

• Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps. 

• Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes. 

• Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible. 

• Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages. 

• Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors. 

• Stay off the roads. If you must travel, check the road conditions and your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

RHHD wants you to stay safe, warm and healthy! Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

# # # 

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.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2026

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

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer 

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
 

RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papilloma virus (HPV) causes more than nine out of every 10 cases of cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination. 

• Parents and guardians should make sure their children have their school-required HPV vaccination prior to starting 7th grade. 
• Parents and guardians can make appointments for school-required immunizations with their primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or at an in-school clinic. 
• Women ages 21 and older should talk to their doctor about cervical cancer screening. 
• The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently approved a self-administered test for cervical cancer for women aged 30-65 years at average risk. This test can be completed at home or at a doctor’s office. Insurance plans will be required to cover the full cost of self-collected HPV screenings by Jan. 1, 2027, with no cost to consumers.  

“Making sure children get the HPV vaccine can help reduce their risk of developing cervical and other cancers,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “We encourage our community to protect their health and the health of their children through vaccination and regular screenings for cervical and other cancers.” 

HPV Vaccination 

According to a recent systematic review published in the Cochrane Library, the HPV vaccination: 

• reduces the incidence of cervical cancer by around 80% in people vaccinated at or before age of 16; 
• reduces the incidence of high‐grade cervical pre‐cancer lesions, as well as anogenital warts; 
• is not associated with an increased risk of long‐term side effects or infertility; 
• is more effective when given at or before the age of 16 years, before onset of sexual activity. 

In November 2024, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research letter stating that studies from 2022 and 2023 indicated a 12 percent per year decline (overall, 65 percent reduction) in cervical cancer incidence from 2012 to 2019 among US women younger than 25 years who likely benefited from HPV vaccination. 

A new nationwide cohort study from Sweden suggests that widespread HPV vaccination could substantially reduce the risk of precancerous lesions even among people who never received the vaccine.  

HPV vaccination has been recommended for routine use in U.S. women since June 2006.  

• In Virginia, the HPV vaccine is required for all students, regardless of sex, prior to entry into 7th grade. 
• Children who receive both doses of the vaccine before age 13 will receive the most protection. 
• Children who receive their first dose at the age of 15 or older will require three doses to complete the series.  
• The HPV vaccine is also recommended for people 26 years of age who did not start or complete the vaccination at an earlier age. 
• HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27-45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision making. 

According to data from VDH, as of Jan. 13, 2026, 74.1 percent of 13-year-olds in Richmond City and 73.3 percent of 13-year-olds in Henrico County have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 76 percent of 13-year-olds have received least one dose of the HPV vaccine series. 

As of Jan. 13, 2026, 47.4 percent of 18-year-olds in Richmond City and 70.4 percent of 18-year-olds in Henrico County have received the complete HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 62.7 percent of 18-year-olds have received the complete HPV vaccine series. 

HPV and Cervical Cancer Data 

According to data from CDC, HPV causes six different kinds of cancer, including almost all (91 percent) of cervical cancers. HPV also causes 70 percent of head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers. 

According to the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profile, the rate of new cases of cervical cancer in Virginia has been decreasing steadily from 2017 to 2021. The rates of new cases in Richmond and Henrico were somewhat lower than the rate in Virginia during the same time period. 

Screening and Care for Cervical Cancer 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Every Woman’s Life (EWL), a public health program that helps uninsured, income-eligible women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduce death rates, improve treatment options, and greatly increase rates of survival. If a woman enrolled in EWL is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer she may be eligible for Medicaid to pay for treatment. Community members can use this link to find a EWL provider near them. 

To be eligible for EWL, a woman must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. Women 18-39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.  

Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers in the Richmond and Henrico area. Visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information on school-required immunizations. For information about RHHD’s clinical health resources and HPV vaccination schedule, call 804-205-3500 or visit rhhd.gov. 

Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

 

# # # 

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.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd 

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

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Test Their Homes for Radon 

January is National Radon Action Month 

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. 

“Radon testing can help you protect your health and the health of your family members,” said Virginia Department of Health Office of Radiological Health Director Matthew Ettinger. “High radon test results have been found in every county in Virginia, and risk can vary widely from home to home.” 

Radon Risk Areas 

Data from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Radon Program show that Virginia has 42 counties and six cities classified as high risk, with average radon test results of greater than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Virginia also has 31 counties and eight cities classified as moderate risk (average radon test results of 2 to 4 pCi/L). 

Richmond City and Henrico County are both classified as moderate radon risk areas, with average indoor radon levels of 2.8 pCi/L in Richmond and 3.1 pCi/L in Henrico County. While these averages are below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, some homes have much higher levels of radon. The only way to determine radon risk is 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 with confirmed test results between 2 and 4 pCi/L of radon should consider installing a mitigation system. A mitigation system should be installed in a home where the test result is 4 pCi/L or higher. 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. 

Three Things You Should Do During National Radon Action Month 

• Test your home.  

• • Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.  

• • EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive.  

• • Learn more about when to test your home for radon. 

• Encourage others to learn about radon and to test their homes. 

• • Tell your family and friends about the health risk of radon. Encourage them to test their homes. 

• • View EPA’s free radon publications. 

• Learn about buying or building a radon-resistant home.  

• • Read “Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Radon-Resistant Homes” (PDF). 

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

# # # 

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.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd