Author: bryanhooten

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2026

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

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying community members residing on or near the 300 block of N. 25^th Street of a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Monday, July 20 that a raccoon acting abnormally interacted with a rabies-vaccinated dog near the 300 block of North 25^th Street. The raccoon also displayed aggressive behavior towards humans in the area. The raccoon was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Results were positive for rabies. The dog had current rabies vaccination. There are NO confirmed exposures to humans or animals at this time.

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. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these important 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.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page.

# # #

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: July 22, 2026

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

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying community members residing on or near the 8000 block of Charlise Road of a fox that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Sunday, July 19 that a fox attacked a rabies-vaccinated dog near the 8000 block of Charlise Road. The fox was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Results were positive for rabies. The dog had current rabies vaccination. There are NO known exposures to humans or additional animals at this time.

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. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these important 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.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page.

# # #

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 July 14, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. — Warmer weather means more opportunities for outdoor fun. Warmer weather can also mean more chances to encounter ticks and mosquitoes. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share tips for protecting yourself and your family from tick and mosquito-related illnesses.

“Mosquitos and ticks each carry many illness-causing viruses and bacteria,” said Richmond and Henrico Epidemiology Supervisor Louise Lockett Gordon “Preventing mosquito and tick habitats and breeding will help reduce bites. Keep outdoor adventures safe and fun this summer by maintaining property, protecting yourself, and seeking care if you or a loved one is bitten.”

Property Maintenance

Ticks live in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. Richmond City and Henrico County also offer tips to prevent the accumulation of standing water that can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Property maintenance guidelines for Richmond City and Henrico County require that grass and weed growth be restricted to 12 inches.

Ticks

Ticks spread disease by attaching to a host and feeding on its blood. The most common ticks found in Virginia are the Blacklegged tick (or deer tick), Lone Star tick, and American Dog tick.

Tick bites are associated with a number of serious and potentially life-threatening medical problems, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Alpha-gal Syndrome . For information on the number of tick-related illness cases in Virginia, visit the Virginia Reportable Disease Surveillance Dashboard.

RHHD offers the following tips to help you stay safe from tick-related illnesses during the summer months.

• Treat your clothing.
  • Clothes, shoes and camping gear may be treated with a pesticide called permethrin. This treatment with will last on for several months. Dried permethrin spray will remain active after several washes. Be sure to apply it to clothing a few days before use to allow for proper drying. Do not wear clothing that is still wet from permethrin spray.
• Tuck your pants into your socks, especially if you’re headed into a grassy or forested area. Forcing ticks to climb up the outside of your clothing will help you spot and remove ticks and keeps them off your skin.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends products used on children contain no more than 30% DEET.
  • When outdoors in forested tick habitats, use insect repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on skin or clothing. Always follow instructions on the product label.
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should never be used for children under three years of age.
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies under two months old.
• Make tick checks a habit. Once you’re indoors, inspect yourself and your children for ticks. Inspect gear and pets as well. Tumble dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
  • Use a mirror, friend, partner, or spouse to help check your body for ticks. Remember to check in armpits, groin area, in and around ears and hairline, belly button, backs of knees, and between legs.
  • Remove ticks the right way. If you find a tick, use tweezers and grip the insect as close to your skin as possible. Pull directly up with steady, even pressure until the tick releases. Do not “squish” the tick. Clean the area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Save the tick in a bag or container with rubbing alcohol for identification in case an illness develops in the days to weeks following a tick bite.
  • Identify the tick. Use the VDH tick identification chart to identify the tick that bit you. It can be helpful to identify any tick that bites you so that if you get sick, you and your care providers have more information.
    • Submit a tick survey. Help VDH better understand our local tick population by saving the tick in a bag or container with rubbing alcohol and submit a tick survey and photo.
• Seek care. If you start feeling sick or develop symptoms like a rash or fever a few days or weeks after a tick bite, make sure to tell your medical provider that you were bitten by a tick.

For more information about identifying ticks and protecting kids and pets, visit VDH’s “Don’t let the tick get you sick” webpage.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the world’s most dangerous spreaders of disease. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, Zika virus, and other diseases.

Henrico County has a vector surveillance program that traps pools of mosquitoes to:

• Identify what kind of mosquitoes are breeding in Henrico County and if new mosquito breeds (that can spread other diseases) are emerging in the area.
• Test pools for West Nile Virus.

The Asian Tiger, Northern house and white-dotted mosquitoes are the most frequently caught species in the area. These can spread West Nile Virus.

How to prevent mosquito habitats on your property

• Dump standing water. Some mosquitoes lay eggs in containers of water, even as small as a bottle cap.
  • Dump water that collects in containers such as wading pools, bird baths and flowerpots each week.
  • Wash out containers each week before refilling them with clean water.
  • Cover or store boats or buckets upside down to prevent water from collecting.
• Containers that cannot be dumped or drained should be regularly treated with mosquito larvicide dunks.
  • Follow instructions on the package for correct use.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes

• Mosquitoes are most active during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours but they can bite you at any time.
  • Wear loose-fitting and light-colored long sleeves and pants and limit the amount of exposed skin when you’re outside in areas where mosquitoes may be active.
  • Consider wearing mosquito repellents on bare arms, legs, neck, and other exposed areas of skin.
• Do not sleep with windows open unless they are well-screened.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your skin or clothing that contains one of the following:
  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR 3535
  • 2-undecanone
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• When using insect repellant on children, keep the following in mind:
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products containing no greater than 30% DEET on children.
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies under two months of age.
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should never be used on children under three years of age.

Please visit the Virginia Department of Health website for more information on mosquitoes and mosquito-related illnesses.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce that Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D., is serving as acting health director. Dr. Viray steps in for Elaine Perry, M.D., who now serves as chief deputy commissioner for Community Health Services. Dr. Perry joined RHHD as health director in July 2022 and became Central Region health director in Oct. 2024.

Dr. Viray became RHHD’s deputy director in March 2017 and served as acting director for 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to RHHD, she was the deputy state epidemiologist for the Hawaii Department of Health and previously worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an epidemic intelligence service officer.

Dr. Viray completed her adult infectious diseases fellowship at Washington University, her internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and her medical education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

# # #

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – A dangerous heat wave is expected over the Fourth of July weekend, and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are reminding everyone to take extra care while celebrating. High temperatures, holiday cookouts, and water fun can increase the risk of heat illness, foodborne illness, and injuries. Simple steps such as staying cool, handling food safely, grilling with caution, and watching children closely at the pool can help keep families safe during the holiday.

“Our communities could see record-high temperatures in the coming days, so we urge you to take precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy as we’re enjoying this weekend’s celebrations,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Director Melissa Viray. “Here are some Independence Day safety tips to keep in mind.”

Heat Safety

Extreme heat can be deadly. High temperatures and humidity can put you at risk of heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

When you are spending time outdoors in the heat, it is important to remember these tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.
• Slow down and limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest time of day. Take breaks in the shade. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.
• Spend time indoors with air conditioning and fans. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.

Food Safety

During the summer months, food poisoning is another concern due to warmer temperatures. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. Food poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Keep yourself, guests and food safe by following these safety tips:

• Thaw and marinate food in the refrigerator. Cook food to a safe internal temperature. Store cooked food in a hot holding area (like an insulated container).
• Keep food cold with ice packs. Don’t let food sit out for more than two hours, or for one hour if the temperatures are higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Don’t cross-contaminate. Wash fresh produce before cutting. Use clean utensils and wash/sanitize in between use. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid meat juices from dripping on other food. Wash your hands before, during and after handling food.

Grilling Safety

Grilling is a popular way to prepare food throughout the summer, but it can present some hazards. July is the most common month for grill fires. Take these steps to ensure proper safety measures are followed:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors, that includes in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone but the cook stays away from the grill, including children and pets.
• Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

Water Safety

Pools, beaches, lakes and rivers can provide hours of enjoyment for adults and children. But many dangers exist around water. Everyone needs to be aware and take the necessary precautions to avoid potential injury or death.

• Constantly supervise children around water and avoid distractions. If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.
• Designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility is to oversee the activity in the water.
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, especially children and non-experienced swimmers. Do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Don’t swim alone and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Reach or throw an object to the person in trouble in the event of an emergency. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

For additional information on healthy and safe swimming, visit swimhealthyva.com. For more Independence Day safety tips, visit rhhd.gov and 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

National HIV Testing Day is June 27

RICHMOND, Va. — In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to know their status. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also spread through injection drug use. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyone ages 13-64 should get tested for HIV at least once. People with certain risk factors should get tested more often.

“Protecting your sexual health is self-care,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts STI/HIV Prevention Supervisor Stephanie Mbengue. “Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are here to support you!”

HIV testing is available through a healthcare provider’s office, local health departments, pharmacies, and community organizations. To find a testing facility near you, visit rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing.

STI/HIV services at RHHD clinics

RHHD offers clinic-based STI screening and HIV testing appointments at its Cary St., Henrico East, Henrico West, and Mosby Resource Center clinics. Appointment times vary by location and are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no walk-in appointments available. Fees may apply.
RHHD offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services at its Henrico East and Cary St. clinics. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of contracting HIV. Virginia residents who want to know if PrEP is right for them should call the RHHD PrEP team at 804-482-5493 and leave a voicemail. The team will return voicemails within two business days.

Support for people living with HIV

People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658. Data from 2023 show that Richmond City had the second highest rate of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (respectively, by health district) in Virginia.

# # #

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 June 22, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Parents and Caregivers to Schedule Appointments for Children’s School-Required Vaccines

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and caregivers to schedule school-required vaccination appointments as soon as possible. Primary care physicians, community partners, and RHHD provide these vaccinations. It may be more challenging to secure an appointment closer to the start of the school year.

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious diseases like measles. As of June 22, 2026, Virginia has seen 129 cases of measles, including 107 cases in the Central Region. Unvaccinated people accounted for 95% of all measles cases in Virginia in 2026. There were five measles cases in Virginia in all of 2025. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

“Keeping children up to date on their vaccinations means they have a better chance to stay healthy for summer fun and start school on time in the fall,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Avoid the rush and schedule an appointment today for your child to receive their school-required vaccinations.”

Virginia School Immunization Requirements

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. These vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Vaccines may also be required for work and other activities.

Virginia residents can securely access their vaccination records through confidential electronic portals managed by VDH.

Scheduling a Vaccination Appointment

Families can schedule appointments for school-required vaccines through their primary care provider, local pharmacies, urgent care facilities, community partners, and RHHD clinics. Parents and caregivers can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information about scheduling childhood vaccine appointments. For help finding a local primary care provider, visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccines 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. Search for a VVFC provider near you by using rhhd.gov/vfc.

RHHD offers vaccination appointments for children and adults at its Cary Street (804-205-3500), Henrico East (804-652-3190) and Henrico West (804-501-4001) clinics. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff is available at all locations.

# # #

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: June 10, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – As high temperatures move into the region, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share tips for preventing and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.

“Heat impacts health in many ways, including some ways that aren’t obvious,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “As our summers get hotter and heat waves become more severe, it’s even more important to protect your health and the health of your family and community. We encourage you to know where to go during extreme heat and to learn the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.”

Extreme heat and heat-related illness

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two to three days. During periods of extreme heat, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature because evaporation of sweat is slowed.

Recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses and knowing what to do might save the life of a loved one. If an individual loses consciousness, has a fast, strong pulse, hot, red skin and/or temperatures of 103° F, call 911 immediately.

What to do during an extreme heat event

• Check local weather and National Weather Service HeatRisk map daily.
• Spend time in air-conditioned places.
• Check on older, sick or disabled people.
• Drink water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated or sugary drinks.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do.
• Minimize sun exposure and wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or above).
• Eat light, cool, and easy-to-digest foods.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
• Use a fan to provide comfort when temperatures are below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Don’t leave children, pets, or persons with mobility challenges alone in cars for any amount of time.
• Don’t exercise outdoors during the hottest parts of the day (12-4 p.m.).
• Talk to your doctor about medications that interfere with temperature regulation.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Humidity plays a big factor in your body’s ability to release heat. The higher the humidity, the slower your sweat evaporates. Age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol, sunburn, and prescription drugs play a factor in how quickly your body can cool itself.

Cooling options in Richmond City and Henrico County

The City of Richmond offers cooling stations at the following locations:

• Inclement Weather Shelter operated by the Salvation Army
  • 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue
  • When temperatures reach 92 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  • Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Department of Social Services
  • Marshall Plaza
    • 900 E. Marshall St., Suite 160
  • Southside Plaza
    • 4100 Hull Street Road
  • Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Richmond Public Libraries
  • Monday-Sunday (hours vary)
• Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Outdoor Pools
  • Monday-Friday, Noon-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Noon-7 p.m.
• Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) bus service is zero-fare this summer and all GRTC buses are air-conditioned.

Henrico County provides cooling refuge at several recreation centers and at all Henrico Public Libraries.

# # #

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

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.

# # #

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

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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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