Author: bryanhooten

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

RHHD Encourages 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. Visit 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. 

# # # 

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: 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.   

# # # 

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: 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.   

# # # 

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: March 6, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Highlights Women’s Health Services for International Women’s Day 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8 by highlighting services for women offered at RHHD clinics, offices, and Resource Centers. 

“When women are healthy, our communities are stronger,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “International Women’s Day reminds us of the importance of making sure women have access to the care and resources they need at every stage of life.” 

RHHD offers the following programs and services that focus on women’s health: 

Improving access to maternal health 

• The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  provides nutrition education and healthy foods to improve pregnancy outcomes and enable families to make lifelong healthy eating and lifestyle choices. On average, 8,781 people per month received WIC services across RHHD’s multiple WIC locations. 

• The Maternity Navigation team supports expectant parents with pregnancy confirmation, care connection, benefits enrollment, and materials distribution. The Maternity Navigation team served 285 clients in 2025. 

Increasing awareness about chronic disease management 

• 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  

• Gender inequality impacts heart attack fatalities, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention, and early disease management 

Expanding access to healthcare 

• RHHD clinical services accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. RHHD also participates in Virginia Vaccines for Children and Virginia Vaccines for Adults, providing free immunizations to children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured.  

• RHHD connects women to primary care providers that focus on women’s health.
  RHHD Resource Centers offer a variety of clinical and community health services in Richmond’s public housing communities. All services are available to anyone, and cost is based on a sliding scale. 

Ensuring women have control over reproductive health 

• RHHD offers Family Planning and STI clinical services at its Cary Street , Henrico East,and Henrico West clinics, as well as Mosby Resource Center. All services are offered on a sliding scale based on financial availability. Family Planning visits offer the following services: 

• Gynecological check-ups for women desiring birth control 

• Breast self-exam instruction 

• Pap smears and screening tests for sexually transmitted infections 

• Birth control methods & counseling 

• 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). Virginia residents can contact the RHHD PrEP team at 804-482-5493. 

• National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day is March 10. 

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

Real Love Respects

RHHD Highlights Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind teens and the community what love is. Love should feel safe and supportive, not controlling or frightening.

Teen dating violence is more common than many might realize. In the U.S., 1 in 10 teens experienced some form of dating violence. It can happen in person, online, or through text messages. Experiencing relationship violence during adolescence is linked to higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, and future relationship violence.

“Healthy relationships are a key part of overall health and well-being, especially for young people,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager, Tamara Jones-Groves. “When teens can recognize the difference between caring and controlling behaviors, they are better prepared to build safe relationships, protect their mental health, and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.”

Dating violence can include:

• Psychological and Emotional Abuse: Using words or behaviors to control their partner, destroy the partner’s self-confidence or esteem, or keep them away from other people.
• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shoving or intentionally injuring a partner.
• Sexual Abuse: Pressuring or forcing another person to have sex, including when the partner is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Stalking: Repeated unwanted attention.

Unhealthy relationships can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. They thrive in isolation. It’s important for teens to maintain relationships with friends and family while dating. Parents and mentors should talk with teens about relationships and create an environment where they can be honest without the fear of judgement or getting in trouble.

Understand the difference between caring and controlling

According to Nisa Foundation, a caring healthy partner respects and values their significant other’s independence and individuality. They understand the importance of maintaining separate identities and encourage their partner to pursue their own interests and relationships outside of the partnership.

A controlling partner’s behavior often aims to lessen their own anxiety by eliminating uncertainty or doubt in the relationship. Past trauma may contribute to the need for control. Control may take the form of criticism, threats, humiliation, and isolation. To maintain perceived control, individuals may blame others or manipulate events.

Controlling behavior may make someone feel like they have no autonomy or independence. Over time, this can lead to feelings of suffocation, loss of self-esteem, and decreased confidence in their abilities and decisions.

Parents, schools, and communities play an important role in modeling and promoting healthy, supportive relationships. Support can include sharing posts on social media, talking with teens about healthy relationships, and supporting survivors without judgment.

Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships

Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships helps young people make safer dating choices.

Healthy relationships

• Respecting each other’s feelings and boundaries
• Honesty
• Equality
• Both people consent or agree freely
• Support for individual growth
• Feeling safe
• Willingness to work through conflicts

Unhealthy relationships

• Lack of respect for each other’s feelings and boundaries
• Checking your phone
• Controlling who you can be friends with
• Excessive texts or calls
• Explosive temper
• Threatening or causing physical violence
• Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity

Other ways to help

No one is alone.  If someone is experiencing dating violence, call 911 or reach out to one of the resources listed below.

• YWCA Help Line (call or text)
  • 804-612-6126
• Action Alliance
• 1-800-838-8238 (Talk)
• 804-793-9999 (Text)
• Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline
  • 1-800-838-8238
• Love Is Respect

Leaving an unhealthy relationship can be hard, but safety and mental health matters.

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 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. 

 

# # # 

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