Protect your child and test for lead poisoning
October 20-26 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Dona Huang runs RHHD’s Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Initiative, and she says the most important prevention step is to have children checked for lead poisoning through a blood test. “Lead poisoning can be silent,” Dona says. “There are no obvious signs of lead poisoning unless it’s already really extreme. The first thing lead impacts is the central nervous system. If it’s not discovered early, a young child can face developmental challenges.”Continue reading→
Welcome to the Tuberculosis team, Mario!
RHHD recently welcomed a new Tuberculosis outreach worker: Mario Martinez! Mario has been part of the RHHD team for years. He previously worked in COVID-19 containment and as a Community Health Worker (CHW) in the Southwood Resource Center. Tuberculosis is a contagious illness that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body. TB is treatable, but treatment takes a long time and...Continue reading→
CHA Priorities: Chronic Disease
RHHD’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) revealed three major areas where residents saw big health challenges: Community Safety and Violence Prevention, Chronic Disease, and Mental, Health, including Substance Use Disorder. Today, we’re focusing on Chronic Disease. CDC defines chronic diseases as “conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living, or both.” Chronic diseases can include heart disease, cancers, and diabetes. More research also includes...Continue reading→
Healing, holding, and centering survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Last Updated: October 15, 2024 In the Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey, 32% of people who had experienced violence in their communities reported that their experience including domestic or intimate partner violence. All residents deserve to feel safe at home and in their most important relationships. Congress declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in 1989. In...Continue reading→
CHA Priorities: Community Safety and Violence Prevention
Last Updated: October 15, 2024 RHHD’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) revealed three major areas where residents saw big health challenges: Community Safety and Violence Prevention Chronic Disease Mental Health, including Substance Use Disorder Today, we’re focusing on Community Safety and Violence Prevention. RHHD Violence Prevention Coordinator Lorraine Wright explains a bit about what these terms mean...Continue reading→
You CHA’ed, We Listened: Community Health Assessment Findings are Here!
Last Updated: October 7, 2024 Through Summer 2024, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts worked closely with healthcare professionals, partner organizations, subject matter experts, and residents across our neighborhoods to conduct a Community Health Assessment. This important public health practice teaches us what issues matter most to you so that we can take informed action....Continue reading→
#CleartheCrib and Sleep Safe
Last Updated: October 7, 2024 What is the main problem? October is the awareness month for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In the U.S., approximately 3,700 infants die every year from sleep-related deaths, the largest percentage of non-natural infant deaths. No one should lose a child. We can take steps to keep our tiniest community members safe and healthy while...Continue reading→
Recovering from Helene
Last Updated: October 7, 2024 Extreme weather has caused so much damage this week. RHHD sends admiration and gratitude to our extraordinary public health colleagues working around the region to help people stay safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Check out public health websites to learn more about recovery efforts and needs in Southwest Virginia, North Carolina,...Continue reading→
Pets need vaccinations, too! Rabies Awareness Week
Last Updated: September 30, 2024 It’s Rabies Awareness Week, and the number one thing we can do to prevent the spread of this dangerous illness is making sure our furriest roommates are vaccinated! Rabies vaccines for mammal pets are critical, both for your pet’s health and for your own well-being. RHHD Epidemiologist Louise Lockett Gordon says...Continue reading→
Putting a face to recovery: Peers prep for Regional Recovery Day
Last Updated: September 30, 2024 Our community’s first ever Regional Recovery Day takes place on Monday, September 30, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Henrico Sports and Entertainment Center (1 All Star Boulevard in Glen Allen). The event marks the end of National Recovery Month, which closes with a focus on community. The Substance Abuse...Continue reading→
Emergency Preparedness for All
Last Updated: September 25, 2024 By Sabrina Satterthwaite, RHHD Intern When storm clouds roll in, it’s time to get serious about preparedness. Disaster preparedness is important for everyone, it’s especially vital for individuals with medical needs and disabilities. Developing an effective storm plan involves more than just gathering supplies; it’s about understanding the various circumstances,...Continue reading→
Get to know our region’s recovery experts
Last Updated: September 25, 2024 The first ever Regional Recovery Day for Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield, and Hanover is less than a week away! On Monday, September 30, the general public is invited to the Henrico Sports and Entertainment Center—located at 1 All Star Boulevard in Glen Allen—from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. to learn from addiction specialists,...Continue reading→