RHHD Blog: Well Read

by Kiran Sabharwal As the summer heats up, we’ll all be looking for shade. But finding a cool spot beneath a tree in Richmond and Henrico can be trickier in some neighborhoods than others. Not only do neighborhoods with fewer trees have less shade to cool off, higher temperatures in these neighborhoods lead to more heat-related illnesses like... Continue reading→

In addition to Immigrant Heritage Month, June is also Pride Month! It’s an important month for both public health and health equity. Ginger Lee writes that “The LGBTQ community has endured systemic and legally sanctioned discrimination, shaming by institutions and systems, shunning by families of origin, the HIV epidemic, and being targeted for brutality and violence because... Continue reading→

Cameron wins Best Dressed at RHHD!  His shirt has images of his beloved dog, Biscuit.  In May, RHHD welcomed a new Health Equity Specialist to our team! Cameron Foster joins us after working for the VDH Central Office as a COVID-19 investigator and vulnerable population data analyst. Cameron has a master’s in public health from... Continue reading→

Summer 2024 is shaping up to be a warm one, and here at RHHD, we know that extreme heat is a public health issue. In Virginia, more people receive care for heat-related illnesses when the temperatures climb to 86 degrees and higher—and we’re already seeing those kinds of temperatures. The first step to protect yourself and your loved ones against heat-related illness... Continue reading→

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, but it’s not the only time of the year to think about ticks. Whether you’re playing, working, or exercising outdoors, keeping safety tips in mind can help protect you from serious tickborne illnesses: Prep for ticks before you head outside. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and tuck your pants into your socks, especially if... Continue reading→

Applications are now open for the Richmond Health Equity Fund 2024-2025 cycle! The deadline to submit applications is June 23, 2024. Richmond is a city of health disparity. Census data show how extreme heat, mental health challenges, and lack of access to healthy foods all echo city redlining, when banks and city institutions used discriminatory lending practices to keep Richmond neighborhoods segregated. Addressing health... Continue reading→

May is also Stroke Awareness Month. 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). People experiencing a stroke need quick, professional medical care. The most... Continue reading→

Today, we’re welcoming Health Education Specialist TaShana Jaudon to the newsletter! TaShana works with RHHD’s Adolescent Health Program; currently, she is hosting the programs 13th Annual Healthy Living for Youth Health Fairs in partnership with Richmond Public Schools Health and PE Departments. Take it away, TaShana: In May, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on... Continue reading→

When you consult public health resources, you probably see some version of “talk to your primary care provider” or “consult with your medical provider” pretty frequently. What does it mean and why do we say it? What is a primary care or medical provider?   A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor, nurse practitioner, or... Continue reading→

Sunday, May 19, is Hepatitis Testing Day. Hepatitis can be caused by substance use, alcohol, or viruses. Viral hepatitis includes Hepatitis A, B, and C. CDC encourages all adults in the U.S. to get tested for Hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetimes. RHHD Epidemiologist Senior Louise Lockett Gordon explains why viral hepatitis testing should matter to all... Continue reading→

All known hurricanes since 1851 that have come within 65 nautical miles of Virginia Beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wants you to know that most good hurricane preparation happens before a storm shows up on the forecast. That’s why May brings Hurricane Preparedness Week. NOAA has put together a week of guides to help... Continue reading→

Tuesday, May 7, is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. The observation recognizes the approximately 70,000 Americans who fatally overdosed on fentanyl in 2023. Ahead of May 7, RHHD Substance Use Disorder Coordinator Jasmine Blue shares some important facts about fentanyl: What is fentanyl?    Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid and a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal... Continue reading→