Author: bryanhooten

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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 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.

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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: 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.

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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: 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.

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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 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.

# # #

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 21, 2026

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is May 18-24

RICHMOND, Va. — As summer gets ready to start, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts urge families to make water safety part of every day. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, and it remains a leading cause of death for young children. With simple steps, most drownings can be prevented.

“Healthy and Safe Swimming Week gives us the opportunity to focus on keeping ourselves and our families safe around water, whether we are enjoying time at a pool, lake, river, or ocean,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “This summer, let’s build our safety skills, increase our awareness, and stop drownings before they start.”

From 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning, and more than half of those deaths happened in natural waters like rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Drownings can happen anywhere and children are especially at risk. Last year, the Virginia Department of Health reported a six-year high of 12 pool drownings in children 0 to 5 years old.

Drowning Prevention Tips

• Make sure kids and adults have basic swimming and water safety skills.
• Actively supervise children in or near water. Designate a responsible adult to be the water watcher and watch the kids in the water without distractions. It’s easy to get pulled away by conversation or a quick glance at a screen.
• Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. If something happens, having a friend with you could save your life.
• Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets when needed.
• Know how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.
• Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol slows your reactions and can make you make bad decisions. Stay out of the water if you’ve been drinking.

Drowning prevention is important but swimming can also lead to illness from germs in the water and injuries from slips, falls, or unsafe conditions.

Swimming Safety Tips

• Avoid getting water in your mouth. Never swallow water from an untreated water source or a pool.
• Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
• Avoid swimming in a pool if you can’t see the bottom. Cloudy water is a serious safety hazard.
• Avoid swimming in natural water if the water has a green film, foul odor, dead or dying fish, or is discolored.
• Avoid diving or jumping in creeks and ponds you don’t know. Hidden rocks and snags can injure you.
• Avoid swimming if you are ill, vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Check diapers often and take bathroom breaks every hour.
• Cover cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages. Bacteria, viruses and other organisms can infect wounds causing more serious illness.
• Avoid swimming in natural waters for three days after rain. Runoff can carry germs into the water.
• Never run near water. The area can be slippery.
• Shower before and after swimming.
• Watch for strong currents and riptides at the beach. Check your local Beach Map for water quality updates before you go.

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: May 19, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to get tested for hepatitis. All adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant people should get tested during each pregnancy. Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the U.S., the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

“I encourage everyone in our community to get tested for and immunized against viral hepatitis if you have not already done so,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D. “These viruses are contagious and taking these steps protects your health as well as the health of those around you.”

Symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis are similar and can include one or more of the following:

• Dark urine or clay-colored stools
• Diarrhea (hepatitis A only)
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, stomach pain, throwing up
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop.

Reduce your risk of getting sick by taking the following precautions:

• Get tested.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
• Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances.
• Avoid using personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes.
• Avoid getting tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.

Hepatitis screening

People who haven’t yet been screened for viral hepatitis or who are at additional risk for contracting hepatitis B or C should talk with a medical provider about testing options. Screening for hepatitis B or C is available through your healthcare provider or at any of RHHD’s clinic locations. For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call 804-205-3500. Testing sites can also be found using the CDC testing site locator.

Hepatitis vaccination

Effective and safe vaccines are available to prevent both hepatitis A and B. Speak with a provider if you are interested in hepatitis A or B vaccination and if you aren’t sure if you’ve been vaccinated in the past. You can receive vaccines for hepatitis A and B at your health care provider or at any of RHHD’s clinic locations. For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call 804-205-3500.

Birth vaccination against hepatitis B continues to be a key protective measure. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all newborns receive a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours of life. The vaccine series is then completed through additional vaccine doses, usually between 1-2 months and 6-18 months. Contracting hepatitis B as an infant is a major risk factor for chronic infection and premature death from cirrhosis or liver cancer, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). According to the Vaccine Integrity Project, the universal birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine has resulted in a 99% decline in pediatric cases.

In Virginia, students are required to complete the hepatitis A and the hepatitis B vaccination series as part of routine school immunizations. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis treatment

Many people who become infected with hepatitis B or C do not have symptoms and may not know they have the virus. The CDC advises there are oral medications (pills) available to treat hepatitis C. The medications are easy to take, have very few side effects, and cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks. For hepatitis B, medications can help some individuals, but all people with chronic (long term) hepatitis B infection should be monitored by a provider.

How viral hepatitis spreads

Viral hepatitis B and C can spread from person to person through sexual contact, sharing needles or other drug equipment, and from the birthing parent to the infant. Hepatitis A can spread when an infected person prepares food without properly washing their hands after using the bathroom.

Infants born with a hepatitis B infection have a 90% chance of developing a chronic version of the disease. If a pregnant person is a carrier for hepatitis B, their medical team can reduce the chance of the virus passing to the baby. An infant can also get hepatitis B from people other than the birthing parent. The hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces for at least seven days. In the U.S., roughly 660,000 people live with chronic hepatitis B infection and are often undiagnosed.

Though it is less likely to occur, hepatitis C can also spread from birthing parent to infant. The risk of household transmission of hepatitis C is very low. Pregnant people should get tested for hepatitis B and C at least once during each pregnancy.

Hepatitis in Virginia

According to VDH data on communicable diseases, hepatitis C and B are in the top five most reported conditions in Virginia (excluding COVID-19) over the last five years.

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: May 18, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the release of the Richmond City and Henrico County 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP is a roadmap for improving the health and well-being of our community.

“We continue to work across Richmond City and Henrico County to ensure residents have access to resources and opportunities they need to live healthy, safe, and well,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “We express gratitude for the community members and partner organizations joining us on this shared path forward.”

RHHD developed the health improvement plan using the findings of the 2024 Richmond City and Henrico County Community Health Assessment (CHA). It focuses on the following priority areas:

• Chronic Disease
• Community Safety & Violence Prevention
• Mental Health (Including Substance Use Disorder)

The CHIP established goals for each priority area, including:

• Expanding community blood pressure monitoring efforts and heart health education
• Expanding access to nutritious foods
• Supporting Vision Zero Task Force Initiatives to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries
• Strengthening partnerships with organizations that address domestic violence
• Increasing access to youth and adult mental health resources
• Addressing substance use-related harms

Many of these goals align with the obesity, mental health, and substance use priorities of Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being.

RHHD partners with local healthcare systems, community-based organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and community members. Together, these partners developed strategies grounded in evidence-based practices with an emphasis on sustainability and equity. The CHIP will be updated once a year and an annual report will be shared. To support CHIP efforts, contact Caroline Best at Caroline.Best@vdh.virginia.gov.

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