FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2026

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

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Summer Water Safety Tips

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

RHHD Encourages Testing for Hepatitis

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

RHHD Announces 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan

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.

# # #

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 11, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

May is American Stroke Month

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Strokes happen when something blocks blood flow to the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts—it’s sometimes called a “brain attack” for this reason. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in Virginia (behind cancer, heart disease, and accidents). May is American Stroke Month.

“You can save a life by learning the signs and symptoms of a stroke,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “The sooner someone gets medical care after a stroke, the better chance they have of recovery.”

People experiencing a stroke need quick, professional medical care. The most important step you can take to help is calling 911 as soon as you spot the signs and symptoms of a stroke. RHHD recommends this helpful phrase for remembering the signs and symptoms of a stroke: BE FAST.

• Balance (loss of balance, headaches, or dizziness)
• Eyes (blurred vision)
• Face (one side of the face drooping)
• Arm (arm or leg weakness)
• Speaking (speech difficulty)
• Time (call 911 immediately)

Not every person experiencing a stroke will demonstrate all these symptoms, so you should call 911 if you spot any of these symptoms. For more resources, please visit rhhd.gov/stroke-smart.

Flu, RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines have been linked to reduced risk of stroke and other cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory events in older adults.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2026

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

RHHD Celebrates National Nurses Week May 6-12

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Nurses Week May 6-12. The theme for National Nurses Week 2026 is “The Power of Nurses.” Through expertise and compassion, RHHD nurses share the power to heal, turn fear into calm, promote health equity, support the well-being of the community, and change lives.

“The power of a nurse is strength in care, courage in action, and compassion that heals,” said Eastern Henrico Health District Public Health Nurse Supervisor Shuryl Thompson. “Public health nurses turn prevention into power—protecting communities before illness begins.”

RHHD’s award-winning nurses serve their communities in clinics, resource centers, schools and at community events. RHHD nurses:

• Provide vaccinations at clinics for children and adults without health insurance
• Meet students where they are to provide in-school vaccinations
• Provide vaccinations and screenings to newcomers and refugees
• Screen people for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teach people about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents the spread of HIV
• Screen people and facilitate treatment for tuberculosis (TB)
• Screen community members seeking care at home or in specialized settings

As highlighted in the RHHD 2025 Annual Report, RHHD nurses:

• Provided 14,658 vaccinations at clinics and community and school events
• Provided 325 health screenings for newcomers from nine countries
• Conducted 4,216 Family Planning and STI clinic visits
• Enrolled 90 new PrEP clients
• Managed and treated 27 active tuberculosis cases and 269 latent tuberculosis infections
• Screened 1663 people for long-term services and supports eligibility

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 4, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond City Health District Highlights Adolescent Health Services

May is National Adolescent Health Month

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond City Health District (RCHD), part of Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) recognizes National Adolescent Health Month by highlighting services and programs that support the health and well-being of Richmond youth. National Adolescent Health Month creates a space for adults to come together and learn more about ways they can best support our youth. If you’re an adult looking for a guide for action steps that you can take, the U.S Department of Human Services has a great resource called Take Action for Adolescents: A Call to Action for Adolescent Health and Well-Being.

“Through technology and social media, our youth face online predators, cyberbullying, and self-confidence issues,” said Richmond and Henrico Health District Adolescent Health Coordinator Cindy Pulido. “We, as adults, must be sensitive to these mental health challenges and equip ourselves with tools to help. Taking care of our youth means more than meeting their basic needs—it means showing them respect, empathy, and compassion.”

RCHD Adolescent Health

The RCHD Adolescent Health Team works with Richmond youth ages 12 to19 through partnerships with local non-profits, middle and high schools, foster care programs and other organizations. The team helps equip youth with information, support, and connections that promote healthier outcomes.
Services include health education on the topics affecting our Richmond youth, including:

• Substance Use Disorder
• Mental Health
• Violence Prevention
• The team also helps connect youth to community resources, including:
• Free from Tobacco
• Trauma Healing and Response Network
• REVIVE! Training for responding to opioid overdose

For more information on the Adolescent Health Program and to explore opportunities for collaboration, please email RHHD Adolescent Health Coordinator at cindy.pulido@vdh.virginia.gov.

As featured in the RHHD 2025 Annual Report, the Adolescent Health team delivered evidence-based education to students across three Richmond high schools in 2025, including:

• 17 lunch-and-learns
• 80 health education sessions, including:
  • 34 on the dangers of nicotine
  • 26 on mental health
  • 18 on the effects of cannabis
  • 2 on the dangers of fentanyl

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: April 23, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Persistent Disparities During National Minority Health Month 

RICHMOND, Va. – During National Minority Health Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) work to spotlight the persistent health disparities impacting racial and ethnic minority communities. These long-documented disparities reflect structural and systemic inequities rooted in historical and ongoing racism and discrimination. With the mission to protect health, champion equity and partner to address local needs, RHHD encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to take concrete steps to advance health equity and address the social, economic, and environment conditions that lead to avoidable inequalities. 

“National Minority Health reminds us that many of the health differences we see today are not new and not random,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “At RHHD, we are committed to using data, community partnerships, and community-driven solutions to better understand these disparities and support healthier outcomes for all residents.” 

Disparities in Richmond City and Henrico County 

Black communities across Richmond City and Henrico County often experience higher rates of chronic diseases such cardiovascular disease and poor health outcomes compared to their White counterparts. For example: 

• In 2024 in Richmond City, the hospitalization rate for cardiovascular disease in the Black population was roughly three times higher than in the White population. 

• In 2024 in Henrico County, the infant mortality rate in the Black population was more than three times higher than in the White population. 

• Between 2019 and 2023 in Richmond City the mortality rate for prostate cancer in the Black population was five times higher than in the White population. During that same period, the mortality rate for colorectal cancer in the Black population was more than twice as high as in the White population. 

To protect health and address health disparities, RHHD offers a variety of low or no-cost clinical services and programs to Richmond City and Henrico County community members. RHHD also shares resources at a variety of community events. To request RHHD presence at a community event, please fill out this online form. 

Statewide Initiatives 

Virginia officials are highlighting resources such as the Office of Health Equity’s Health Opportunity Index (HOI), which assist communities in pinpointing specific factors contributing to inequitable and poor health outcomes. With the data from the HOI, local health districts can work with policymakers, community leaders, and concerned residents on the programs and strategies needed to ensure that all Virginians have what they need to live long and healthy lives. Having localized data down to the census tract level helps VDH conduct community outreach, including free health screenings, vaccination events, and educational workshops, and better meet the needs of communities of color. 

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: April 20, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Highlights the Importance of Infant Immunization 

National Infant Immunization Week is April 20-27 

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and guardians to make sure that children two years and younger are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against these potentially life-threatening diseases. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 20-27. 

“The rise of vaccine-preventable diseases in this country and in the Commonwealth of Virginia should concern us all,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “Once eliminated in the US, there have now been 17 confirmed cases of measles in Virginia in 2026. Infant and child immunization against diseases like measles gives parents and guardians powerful tools that can help protect one of our most vulnerable populations from serious illness and death.” 

Virginia Childhood Immunization Requirements 

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. These vaccines should be given based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Parents and guardians can view the Virginia childhood vaccine schedule on the VDH website. 

Where to get infants immunized 

Families without health insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to find pediatric care providers. Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their child’s pediatrician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. For more information, parents and guardians can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. 

RHHD offers childhood immunization appointments at its Cary Street,  Henrico East, and Henrico West, clinics. Parents and guardians can call 804-205-3501 to make an appointment. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff is available at all locations. 

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer free immunizations 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. Families can search for a VVFC provider near them using rhhd.gov/vfc.  

Infant Immunization Studies 

A 2024 study published in The Lancet looked at the effect of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which was launched in 1974 to improve global access to life-saving vaccines. The study found that, since 1974, vaccination saved 154 million lives, including 146 million among children younger than 5 years, and 101 million infants younger than 1 year. Measles vaccination accounted for 93.7 million lives saved (60.8%) of the 154 million total lives saved over this 50-year period. Measles vaccination was the single greatest driver of lives saved by vaccination, across all years in every region and all World Bank income strata. 

National Infant Immunization Week 

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance held in April, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Virginia Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations.  

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov. 

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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