Thank a social worker!
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 March is National Social Work Month. At RHHD, social workers are integral to the work we do, particularly when it comes to addressing the Social Determinants of Health. Is this term new to you? Show social workers extra gratitude by learning more! SDoH highlight how issues like housing, employment,...Continue reading→
Get smart about drugs and alcohol
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 This week is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week! The observance focuses on educating young people about the science of drug use and addiction. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, a teacher, or someone who cares about the youth in your life, we can all use more tools for navigating...Continue reading→
Severe Weather Awareness
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 It might feel like we’ve only just finished our winter weather (good riddance!), but that means it’s time to start preparing for spring severe weather, like tornadoes and flash flooding. RHHD’s Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator, Ed Porner, says that our spring preparations require a little more planning ahead than...Continue reading→
RHHD in the News: “Every child vaccinated is a success”
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 RHHD is making headlines! Director Dr. Elaine Perry recently appeared in an article for The Richmonder to discuss the need for childhood vaccines. Dr. Perry talks about the way vaccines protect children—and their classmates—against some of our most contagious diseases. She celebrates our partnership with Richmond Public Schools, which works...Continue reading→
World TB Day gets local with RHHD
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 March 24, 2025 is World TB Day. The observance celebrates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Although the observance highlights TB’s history and global reach, it’s important to know that TB is still very much with us and it impacts...Continue reading→
Measles: What do I need to know?
Last Updated: March 21, 2025 You’ve probably seen information about measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, along with confirmed cases in other states. Although there are not currently any confirmed measles cases among Virginia residents, it’s still important for us to educate ourselves about this highly contagious and dangerous disease. The good news is...Continue reading→
Fall in love with public health, thanks to Dr. Elhassan!
Last Updated: February 13, 2025 In January, RHHD welcomed our new full time Medical Director, Dr. Sarah Elhassan. A medical director helps a health department or other medical service make sure that their work stays connected to updated best practices. As the Medical Director, Dr. Elhassan is getting to know RHHD’s staff and work broadly....Continue reading→
Spread love—not illness—this Valentine’s Day!
Last Updated: February 13, 2025 Whether you’re celebrating with partners, pals, or solo this year, Valentine’s Day is a sweet reminder that we all have a lot to give. One thing we don’t want to share? Germs! Follow RHHD’s guide for keeping those you love healthy and safe: That’s red roses, not red noses. Keep...Continue reading→
Celebrating African American Health Pioneers
Last Updated: February 13, 2025 February is Black History Month, and RHHD’s Population Health Team is celebrating by highlighting Black Americans who have shaped our work in public health. “Learning about Black Americans in public health is important because their work has made our communities healthier and fairer,” says Population Health Manager Tamara Jones. “Their...Continue reading→
“With a healthy heart, the beat goes on”
Last Updated: February 13, 2025 It’s American Heart Month, and Certified Community Health Worker Cedá Cosby sees caring for your heart as an act of love: “I have to be healthy, because I have loved ones who need me,” she says. As RHHD’s CHW for Chronic Disease, Cedá takes inspiration from her grandmother. “I’ve watched...Continue reading→
Resolve to keep those lungs safe!
Last Updated: January 17, 2025 If one of your new year’s resolutions is to quit smoking, that’s great! RHHD has lots of resources to help you, like the Free From Tobacco program for Richmond residents and the Quit Now Virginia initiative for anyone in Virginia. Whether you use tobacco products or not, there’s another thing...Continue reading→
“We are women’s advocates”: Promoting Cervical Health at RHHD
Last Updated: January 17, 2025 January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Anyone with a cervix—the lower part of the uterus—is at risk for cervical cancer. You can resolve now to get up-to-date on important prevention measures like pap and HPV tests. The guidelines for screening can feel a little complicated. CDC recommends starting pap...Continue reading→