Author: bryanhooten

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2026

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

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sharing some scary-good safety tips to help every family have a night full of treats, laughter, and safe adventures.

“Following these tips will help everyone have a fun and safe Halloween,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Local Health Emergency Coordinator Alyssa Lewis. “Let’s make sure the scariest part of Halloween is deciding which treat to open first.”

Costume safety

• Make sure costumes are bright or have reflective tape so drivers can see you at night.
• Wear costumes that fit well to avoid tripping.
• Use face paint instead of masks to keep your vision clear.

Trick-or-treating

• Children should always walk in groups and stay with an adult.
• Use sidewalks whenever possible and cross streets at corners, following traffic signals.
• Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to light your way.

Candy safety

• Children should wait until they get home to eat treats so an adult can check them first.
• Only eat candy that is sealed in its original wrapper.
• Avoid homemade treats unless you know who made them.

Home safety

• Keep your porch and walkways well-lit for visitors.
• Keep decorations away from open flames and clear walkways of tripping hazards.

Driver safety

• Slow down and stay alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
• Avoid distractions such as cell phones while driving.
• Arrange a safe ride home if you plan to drink alcohol.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2026

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

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 25-31

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to take steps to protect children from lead poisoning. These steps include talking with your child’s healthcare provider about testing children for lead poisoning and testing for lead in homes built before 1978. Oct. 25-31 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Know the dangers of lead poisoning.

There is no safe lead level in children. Even at low levels, lead interferes with normal brain development and may cause reduced intelligence, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities in children. Children who have lead poisoning may not show any early signs or symptoms. Having your child tested is the only way to know if they are lead poisoned.

Talk to a professional about lead testing.

“During National Lead Poisoning Prevention week, we encourage families to keep kids safe from lead by learning about lead and where kids can be exposed to it,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about having your child tested for lead. We also recommend checking your home for possible lead sources; washing your child’s hands and toys often; and if your home was built before 1978 and needs repairs, doing them safely through a licensed, lead-safe contractor.”

Homes built before 1978, the year the EPA banned lead-based paint, may still contain lead paint. Use this tool from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to locate a Lead-Based Paint Professional in your area.

The RHHD Lead Safe Program provides lead education, screening, and lead risk assessments and inspections for lead-poisoned children.

Take these steps to help prevent lead poisoning at home and work, no matter how old the building is:

• Wet-clean floors and windowsills regularly.
• Wash children’s hands and toys frequently.
• Be aware of chipping paint.
• Use lead-safe practices to make sure painted surfaces are maintained or repaired.
  • Improper paint repairs could create more hazardous lead poison conditions.
• Be aware of toys, jewelry, dishes, pottery, and foods that may contain lead.
• Be aware of hobbies or jobs that may involve working with lead, including:
  • stained glass making
  • pottery
  • painting
  • construction

Consider the following factors when assessing your child’s risk of lead poisoning:

• Older homes can contain lead-based paint and hazardous lead dust levels. Young children are most at risk for lead poisoning through lead dust and lead paint exposure.
• Lead can exist in water pipes. Richmond residents can contact the Lead Free Water Program and Henrico residents can contact the Lead Service Line Replacement Program for more information. A 2024 federal rule update requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.
• Lead can exist in bare soil. New homes may be built on lots that still have lead dust in the soil. Families should limit the amount of time children play in bare soil, keep outside toys outside, and encourage hand washing.
• Nutrition can provide some protection from lead poising. Children who get enough food—and especially iron, vitamin C, and calcium-rich foods—are less likely to absorb high levels of lead. RHHD offers access to healthy foods for children through the WIC Supplemental Nutrition program.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026

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

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying Fairfield community members of a bat that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Sunday, Oct. 4 that a bat that was found inside a residence on N. 25^th St. in Fairfield. The bat was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Test results came back positive for rabies.

Anyone who has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Richmond City Health District Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Call 911 for medical emergencies. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind all residents to follow these 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. See RHHD’s recent news release and the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page for more information.

# # #

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: September 28, 2026

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

World Rabies Day is Sept. 28

RICHMOND, Va. — To protect the health of residents and visitors, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share rabies prevention information and tips.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus lives mainly in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. The virus can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or central nervous system tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth. Transmission can occur with direct contact between a human and a rabid animal, or between a pet and a rabid animal.

Rabies vaccination clinics

Henrico County offers Rabies Vaccination Clinics for domestic animals four times per year. The next clinic takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Western Henrico Government Center (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Residents with questions about the clinic can call 804-727-8801 (Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

If you, a family member, or a pet are bitten by a wild, stray, or unvaccinated animal,

• Call 911 for medical emergencies.
• Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water.
• If it can be done without risking further direct contact, try to capture the animal under a large box or can, or at least identify it before it runs or flies away.
• Contact local animal control, your healthcare provider, or RHHD.
  • Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC): 804-646-5573
  • Henrico Police Animal Protection Unit: 804-501-5000
  • Richmond City Health District Environmental Health: 804-205-3912
  • Henrico County Health District Environmental Health:
• For bites to humans, notify your family doctor immediately and explain how you got the bite.
• If necessary, your doctor will give you rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or refer you to an Emergency Department for treatment.
  • This treatment generally includes wound care, human rabies, immune globulin (HRIG) and a four-dose vaccine series.
  • Your doctor will also treat you for other possible infections that could be caused by the bite.

Steps to prevent the spread of rabies

• Have a licensed veterinarian vaccinate dogs and cats four months of age and older for rabies, as required by the Code of Virginia.
  • Keep vaccinations current.
• Not every rabid animal looks sick.
  • Do not feed stray animals.
  • Avoid wild animals and pets you are not familiar with, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks.
  • Ask the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Teach children to ask the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not handle sick, injured, or dead animals.
• Keep wild animals, including bats, out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
• Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.

For more rabies information, visit VDH 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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2026

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

September is Food Safety Month

RICHMOND, Va. – When you sit down at a restaurant, order takeout, or pick up a meal from a local food truck, a Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) environmental health specialist probably helped to make sure that food is safe. RHHD environmental health specialists issue permits and collaborate with foodservice operators every day and during times of crisis, including boil water advisories and food recalls.

“As we celebrate Food Safety month this September, we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Environmental Health Specialists,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Behind every safe meal at a permitted foodservice establishment is an environmental public health professional who made it possible.”

Safe Dining Tips

When putting together your dining plans, it’s a great idea to check Richmond City and Henrico County restaurant inspection reports online. Reading the report for a new-to-you establishment or an old favorite will let you know how well it’s doing at keeping your food safe. If you suspect that more than one person has become ill after eating a common food, please contact RHHD at 804-205-3912 (Richmond City) or 804-205-4530 (Henrico County). can also visit MyMealDetective.com to submit a foodborne illness report. Call 911 immediately for medical emergencies.

RHHD environmental health specialists conducted 4,952 foodservice inspections in 2025. A foodservice inspection includes making sure food is kept at the correct temperatures, equipment is functioning, and procedures are in place to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illness every year. Foodborne illnesses usually affect your stomach or bowels. Typical signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

If you are preparing food at home, RHHD recommends taking four key steps to prevent foodborne illness – clean, separate, cook, and chill.

# # #

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: September 15, 2026

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

Sept. 15 is Get Ready Day

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to make a plan for emergencies. The greater Richmond area has experienced several severe weather events in recent years, including ice storms, heat, and hazardous air quality due to wildfire smoke. September is National Preparedness Month and Sept. 15 is Get Ready Day.

“Being prepared doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Local Health Emergency Coordinator Alyssa Lewis. “Taking a few small steps today can make a big difference when the unexpected happens. Build peace of mind by creating a family communication plan, assembling an emergency kit, and signing up for local alerts. When we prepare ourselves, we support our neighbors and make it easier to recover more quickly together.”

Alyssa Lewis offers these tips to help your family and community stay prepared:

• Prepare your family and your household. Assemble an emergency kit. Gather important documents like birth certificates, citizenship papers, or backup medical prescriptions and place them in a secure location close to an exit, preferably in a fireproof box. Create digital copies of important documents and save them to a flash drive or secure online location. Store the flash drive in a separate bag. Don’t forget to plan for your pets.
• Prepare your kids. Explain the potential for emergencies and empower kids to take charge of their own preparedness. Discuss procedures for reuniting if separated. Create a list of trusted people in their lives that they can call. Show kids how to access emergency services if they’re alone. Families can use Prepare with Pedro from Ready.gov to help kids practice preparedness.
• Prepare your neighbors. Talk with your neighbors about what type of assistance they might need in an emergency. Planning with your community can help address some of the ways age, income, or disabilities impact emergency preparedness.
• Practice your plan. Turn preparedness into a game like a treasure hunt for emergency kit items, or a car trip around the neighborhood highlighting meeting points and safe areas.
• Learn more about preparedness at Ready.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

National Community Health Worker Awareness Week is Aug. 24-28

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) highlight services offered by Community Health Workers (CHWs). National Community Health Worker Awareness Week is Aug. 24-28.

“Community Health Workers play an essential role in strengthening public health,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “CHWs improve the health of individuals, families, and neighborhoods through trust, education, and connection to resources.”

CHWs act as a bridge between their communities and health institutions. They serve at RHHD clinic and resource center locations and engage with community members at local events. CHWs promote healthy living and help people take greater control over their lives.

Fill out this online form to connect to an RHHD CHW.

In 2025, RHHD CHWs provided:

• 1,225 referrals to services like food assistance, benefits navigation, and parenting education;
• 204 educational classes;
• and supported 185 community outreach events.

RHHD CHWs provide access to:

• Clinical services offered at RHHD and in the community, including:
  • Family planning
  • Cervical and annual breast exams
  • Immunizations
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Health and wellness education
• Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) referrals
• Referrals to support groups
• Economic resources
• Parenting education
• Car seat safety education
• Health screenings for newcomers to the U.S.

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