Category: blog

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts RHHD encourage community members to prepare for winter weather at home and on the road by building emergency kits and understanding cold weather hazards. 

“Don’t let winter weather take you by surprise,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Local Health Emergency Coordinator Alyssa Lewis. “Now is the time to make sure your home, family, friends, and neighbors are ready for the winter season. We encourage everyone to create basic kits for your home and vehicles, know what hazards affect your area, and know how to keep your loved ones safe. A little preparation now can prevent an emergency later.” 

RHHD offers these tips to help you and your family prepare for winter weather: 

• Keep at least one emergency kit at home and one in your vehicle. Ready.gov has a great list of basic kit necessities and options for making low-cost kits. If there’s a baby in the home, make sure the kit includes formula and/or breast milk supplies, diapers, and other necessary items. Anyone with prescription medications should place a few weeks’ worth in their kit. If you freeze or refrigerate breast milk or prescription medication, add a cooler to your kit checklist. Finally, Don’t forget about your pets. 
• Keep warm safely. The improper use of some heat sources can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or death. In the event of a power outage and freezing temperatures: 
  • Avoid using stovetop burners or an oven to heat your home.  
  • Keep generators outdoors and separate from the home. 
  • If your car becomes stranded: 
  • Clear snow from the exhaust pipe. 
  • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. 
  • While running the motor, open an upwind window (the direction the wind is coming from) slightly for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center. 
  • City of Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
    1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
    Richmond, VA, 23222
    Open 5 p.m.-8 a.m.
    The IWS is for single adult men and women and can accommodate service animals. All guests can access heated indoor space, restrooms, seating, light snacks and beverages, dinner, ADA-accessible areas, hygiene kits, weekly health services van, mobile showers twice monthly, bed bug treatment, and onsite security. Access to the shelter is on a first-come, first-served basis. 
    • Extended Hours: The IWS may remain open after 8:00 a.m. in the event of: 
      • Temperatures ≤ 40°F, or 
      • Freezing rain or snow greater than one inch over a 24-hour period 
  • The CARITAS Overflow Shelter on Stockton Street in Richmond will provide 60 beds for single adult men and women Dec. 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. It will open when the IWS is at least 85 percent full and temperatures fall below 40°F or hazardous weather is forecast (including freezing rain or snow greater than one inch in 24 hours) 
  • Families may access the Community Resource & Training Center (CRTC) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
    Richmond, VA, 23222
    Call 804-646-3111 or email homeless@rva.gov for more information. 
  • Richmond Public Library branches serve as warming spaces during normal operating hours. 
  • Henrico County libraries and recreation centers are open to the public during normal operating hours.  
• Check weather conditions before driving. If you’re not familiar with driving in the snow, or your vehicle isn’t built for extreme weather, consider delaying your trip. A wet day with freezing temperatures overnight can create icy streets the following day. Visit the Virginia Department of Transportation for more winter driving tips. If you plan to travel, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides travel advisories on current road conditions and weather forecasts. Travelers can easily access weather information by dialing 511, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or via the website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov. 
• Check for impairment before driving. Distractions, drowsiness, drugs, and alcohol can impair your driving. Traffic crashes are preventable. Keep loved ones and community members safe by arranging for a designated driver, making use of rideshares or the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s (GRTC) fare-free bus lines, or by gathering at home. 

For more information and winter weather safety tips, visit ready.gov/winter-ready. 

With the 2025-26 respiratory virus season officially underway, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage everyone six months and older who lives, works, or plays in our community to receive their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season. Last season, Virginia reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks. 

Vaccination Rates 

Current local vaccination rates for flu and COVID-19 are lower than they have been in previous years. As of Dec. 2, 2025, 19.6 percent of Richmond City residents and 23.3 percent of Henrico County residents have received the 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Only 7.8 percent of Richmond City and 7.7 percent of Henrico County residents have received the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.  

By Dec. 2, 2024, 19.7 percent of Richmond City residents and 25.7 percent of Henrico County residents had received the flu vaccine. During the same time period, 10 percent of Richmond residents and 11 percent of Henrico residents had received the COVID-19 vaccine.  

“Vaccines are the best tool we have for preventing infection from flu and COVID-19,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Unfortunately, we are seeing fewer people get these safe and effective vaccines than in years past. Vaccines can protect you and your community from severe illness, hospitalization, and death as respiratory virus activity increases in the colder months. Just like we’ve seen with viruses like measles, more vaccinations mean reduced transmission, fewer outbreaks, and more time with friends and family.” 

Where to Get Vaccines 

You can get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at a local pharmacy or your primary care provider. 

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.  

Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) providers offer no-cost vaccinations to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. People receiving VVFA vaccinations may be required to pay an admin fee, usually between $10 and $20. Search for a VVFA provider near you by using rhhd.gov/vfa. 

Respiratory Virus Season 

Flu season, the period of highest virus activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity peaks in January or February. COVID-19 spreads year-round but tends to be more common in the fall and winter. 

People need flu and COVID-19 vaccines for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because these viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of these vaccines is reviewed each year and updated to target changing viruses. 

As long as these viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your vaccines. 

COVID-19 and Influenza Viruses 

Influenza and COVID-19 are serious diseases caused by viruses that affects the respiratory tract. These viruses generally spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These viruses can be transmitted even before symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick with flu one to three days following exposure to the virus. A person usually becomes sick with COVID-19 two to 14 days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Typical COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, cough, loss of taste or smell, severe fatigue, headaches, body aches, and sore throat. 

How to Protect Yourself and Others 

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting these viruses, follow these simple steps: 

• Get vaccinated. 
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds. 
• Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand. 
• Stay at home when you are sick. 

It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. For more information, call RHHD at 804-205-3500. 

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

• Support vaccination events for flu, COVID19, and school-required immunizations.
• Staff shelters and mobile clinics during storms and other emergencies.
• Teach hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and bleeding control skills.
• Assist with opioid response by leading Revive! training sessions.
• Staff first aid tents at marathons, races, and community celebrations.
• Assist with rabies vaccination clinics and drug takeback events.
• Provide administrative and call center support.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate World AIDS Day Dec. 1 by encouraging community members to seek preventative care, testing, and/or treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).  

Virginia Department of Health data from 2023 shows that Richmond City and Henrico County had the second and third highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (respectively, by health district) in Virginia. 

“The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Disease Intervention Specialist Bennett Shumaker. “Knowing your status helps keep you and your partner(s) healthy. Our disease intervention specialists understand that receiving the news of a new HIV diagnosis is challenging. We are here to offer support, grace, and hope.” 

RHHD Testing Options  

RHHD offers clinic-based sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing appointments at its Cary Street, Henrico East, and Henrico West clinics. Visit rhhd.gov/sti for information and to view testing appointment options. Use rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing to search for Virginia-based HIV testing options near you.  

RHHD also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a daily medication that is highly effective at helping prevent HIV. To learn more about PrEP, call 804-482-5493. 

People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658. 

Community Partner Testing Options 

The following RHHD community partners offer free STI and HIV testing services:  

• Nationz Foundation: 804-716-7597 

• Minority Health Consortium: 804-225-0820 

• Health Brigade: 804-358-6343 (ext. 2145) 

• VCU Ryan White Program: 804-828-0289 

Use the CDC testing site locator to find a testing site near you. 

HIV Data 

In Richmond, proximity to resources like clinics and pharmacies, as well as insurance status, are still shaped by histories of redlining and segregation. In the U.S., people who identify as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to their population size, showing that effective HIV prevention and treatment are not adequately reaching these communities. People who identify as multiracial are also disproportionately impacted. 

HIV disproportionally affects people who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial. These groups only make up 22% of the U.S. population. Yet, according to the CDC, they account for 74% of the 31,800 individuals who acquired HIV in the U.S. in 2022. 

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

The holiday season is here! Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share safety and prevention tips to ensure that your holidays are filled with joy, laughter and good tidings, not foodborne illness. 

“We encourage everyone to practice safe food handling during this holiday season,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Make sure you wash your hands (but not your turkey), cook foods to proper temperatures, cool foods quickly, store foods properly, and thoroughly reheat pre-cooked foods. Practicing safe food handling in the kitchen will help protect you and your loved ones from foodborne illness.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six Americans (48 million) get sick from foodborne illness every year. Foodborne illnesses usually affect your stomach or bowels. Typical signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Don’t let a foodborne illness put a damper on your holiday celebration. 

RHHD shares four key steps to preventing foodborne illness – clean, separate, cook, and chill. 

Clean 

• Wash Your Hands. Wash your hands before and after preparing food or eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Be sure to wash hands after handling uncooked meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs. 

• Wash Surfaces. Wash any surface that comes in contact with food—including counters, cutting boards, and utensils—with hot, soapy water before and after preparing each food item. 

• Rinse Produce. Rinse all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. 

Separate 

• Keep Foods Separate. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from other foods when grocery shopping. Store them in separate spots in the refrigerator. 

• Avoid Cross-Contamination. Avoid cross-contamination by not reusing cutting boards, utensils, and plates, especially if they have touched uncooked foods. 

• Prevent Germs from Spreading. Do not rinse poultry. Research from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that rinsing poultry and raw meat often spreads germs onto sinks and countertops. 

Cook 

• Thaw Food Properly. Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Never thaw turkey by leaving it on the counter at room temperature. 

• Cook Food Fully. Use a thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to a safe minimal internal temperature. Cooking times for a turkey depend on the weight and whether it is stuffed. 

• Microwave Thoroughly. Microwave ovens can cook food unevenly and leave “cold spots” where harmful bacteria can survive. Follow recommended cooking and standing times. Letting food sit for a few minutes after microwaving allows it to cook more completely. 

• Avoid Raw Foods. CDC advises against eating raw foods, including uncooked meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and flour. Raw cookie dough should not be eaten because it contains raw eggs and flour. 

Chill 

• Set the Temperature. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below. 

• Use the Two-Hour Rule. Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours. This rule applies to any food that should normally be refrigerated, including pumpkin pie! Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than two hours. When in doubt, throw it out. 

• Store Leftovers Safely. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for three to four months. Store leftover food in small, shallow containers for quicker cooling. 

If you suspect that more than one person has become ill after eating a common food, please contact RHHD at 804-205-3912. You can also visit MyMealDetective.com to submit a foodborne illness report. 

In support of The Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 20, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage those who are interested in quitting smoking to seek local resources. Richmond residents can participate in the RHHD Free From Tobacco program. 

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. More people, both men and women, in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of all cases. 

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Tobacco Control Program, smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. More than 41,000 of these deaths are from exposure to secondhand smoke. 

“Tobacco cessation is a journey,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Free From Tobacco Coach Richard Baker. “These products are often deeply embedded into a person’s lifestyle, and we want to encourage each client to think more about what they’re buying and using. Our goal is to support people in breaking free of addictive behaviors.” 

Free From Tobacco 

Free From Tobacco is a culturally competent one-on-one coaching program designed to remove barriers for Richmond residents who wish to quit smoking and remain abstinent from all tobacco products. Richmond residents interested in the Free From Tobacco program can call 804-482-8018 for more information or complete the intake form directly at rhhd.gov/tobaccofree. Benefits clients receive from their coach include: 

• Weekly in-person or virtual coaching sessions 
• Education on tobacco cessation health benefits and strategies 
• Background on the history of tobacco 
• Access to videos and useful surveys 
• Better management of potential chronic diseases for overall health and well being 
• Connection to valuable resources such as Quit Now Virginia 

Quit Now Virginia 

Quit Now Virginia is a statewide evidence-based cessation service for those who want to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco, nicotine, e-cigarettes, or vapes. Clients can receive one-on-one coaching sessions by phone, chat, or text, as well as group coaching. Virginia tobacco and nicotine users interested in quitting their addiction can contact Quit Now Virginia at 1-800-Quit Now (1-800-784-8669) or at quitnowvirginia.org.  

Virginia Smoking Data 

In Virginia, about 10,300 adults die each year from smoking, 1,600 non-smokers die each year due to secondhand smoke, and 6,900 children have lost a parent to smoking-related death. Given current smoking levels, 152,000 children living today will ultimately die of smoking. Annual healthcare costs in Virginia directly caused by tobacco use are $3.61 billion. 

CDC State Tobacco-Related Disparities Data from 2023 show that 20.7 percent of adult Virginians who had attained less than a high school education smoked cigarettes, compared to 4.1 percent of adult Virginians who had graduated from college. Nearly 20 percent of Virginia adults who were unemployed smoked cigarettes, compared to 10.2 percent of adult Virginians who were employed. Additionally, 28.2 percent of adults who were unable to work due to a physical, mental, or other condition smoked cigarettes. 

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

With Halloween right around the corner, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share some spooktacular safety tips to help every family have a night full of treats, laughter, and safe adventures. Get ready for a ghoulishly good time—let’s make this Halloween the best (and safest) one yet! 

“Having a safe (not scary) Halloween is easy and fun when you follow a few simple steps,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Keep costumes visible and fit for walking, stick to sidewalks, and cross the street at crosswalks and corners. Make sure treats are sealed in their original wrappers. Welcome trick-or-treaters with a well-lit front door and keep walkways free of tripping hazards. Let’s help our ghouls, ghosts, and goblins get home safely.” 

RHHD encourages you to keep these quick tips in mind when trick or treating this Halloween season. 

Costume Safety 

• Make sure costumes are bright or have reflective tape so drivers can see you at night. 
• Wear costumes that fit well to avoid tripping. 
• Use face paint instead of masks to keep your vision clear. 

Trick-or-Treating 

• Children should always walk in groups and stay with an adult. 
• Use sidewalks whenever possible and cross streets at corners, following traffic signals. 
• Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to light your way. 

Candy Safety 

• Wait until you get home to eat your treats so an adult can check them first. 
• Only eat candy that is sealed and in its original wrapper. 
• Avoid homemade treats unless you know who made them. 

Home Safety 

• Keep your porch and walkways well-lit for visitors. 
• Remove anything from your yard that could cause someone to trip, or any fire hazards. 

Following these tips will help make Halloween fun and safe for everyone. Have a happy Halloween! 

If you have questions about Halloween safety, contact RHHD at 804-205-3500. Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

You can protect yourself and your family this fall from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by doing some simple little things. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts share three little things for a healthy fall: washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and getting immunized. 

“Immunization is the most effective way to prevent serious infections from flu, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “It’s also important to remember basic public health prevention measures such as hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze to reduce the chances of spreading all respiratory viruses.” 

Washing Hands 

Washing hands takes a mere 20-30 seconds but can be key to keeping you healthy and preventing respiratory diseases. Germs can spread by touching surfaces and other people. Be sure to wash your hands: 

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
• Before and after preparing food or eating. 
• Before and after caring for someone else who is sick. 
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste 

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. 

Covering Your Cough 

Respiratory viruses can spread through droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. To limit the spread of respiratory viruses, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. 

If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. 

Getting Immunized 

Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which flu vaccines are recommended for you and your family. 

People aged six months and older should receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on individual-based decision-making with a healthcare provider. 

All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine. If you are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider to decide if the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of RSV immunization. 

If you are sick, stay home to prevent additional spread of respiratory virus. 

For more information about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season and all year round, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia/ or visit rhhd.gov. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take steps to prevent childhood lead poisoning. These steps include talking to a healthcare provider about testing children for lead poisoning and testing for lead in homes built before 1978. Oct. 19-25 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. 

Know the dangers of lead poisoning. 

Even at low levels, lead interferes with normal brain development and may cause reduced intelligence, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities in children. Children who have lead poisoning may not show any early signs or symptoms. Having your child tested is the only way to know if they are lead poisoned. 

Talk to a professional about lead testing. 

The RHHD Lead Safe Program provides lead education, screening, and lead risk assessments and inspections for lead poisoned children. Please call 804-205-3726 for more information. 

“During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, we remind everyone that there is no safe level of lead in the body,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Childhood lead exposure is preventable. You can stop lead exposure before it starts by having your home tested and repaired and by following safe work practices. Let’s ensure that children have Lead Safe places to live, learn, and play.” 

Talk to your healthcare provider or explore RHHD’s list of local pediatricians if you have questions about lead testing for children. Use this tool from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to locate a Lead-Based Paint Professional in your area. 

Take these steps to help prevent lead poisoning at home and work: 

• Wet-clean floors and windowsills regularly. 
• Wash children’s hands and toys frequently. 
• Be aware of chipping paint.  
• Use lead-safe practices to make sure painted surfaces are maintained or repaired. 
• Improper paint repairs could create more hazardous lead poison conditions.  
• Be aware of toys, jewelry, dishes, pottery, and foods that may contain lead. 
• Be aware of hobbies or jobs that may involve working with lead, including: 
• Stained glass making 
• Pottery 
• Painting 
• Construction 

Consider the following factors when assessing your child’s risk of lead poisoning: 

• Older homes can contain lead-based paint and hazardous lead dust levels. Homes built before 1978, the year the EPA banned lead-based paint, may still contain lead paint. Young children are most at risk for lead poisoning through lead dust and lead paint exposure. 

• Lead can exist in water pipes. Richmond residents can contact the Lead Free Water Program for more information. Henrico residents can contact the Lead Service Line Replacement Program for more information. A new federal rule requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. 

• Lead can exist in bare soil. New homes may be built on lots that still have lead dust in the soil. Families should limit the amount of time children play in bare soil, keep outside toys outside, and encourage hand washing.  

• Nutrition can provide some protection from lead poising. Children who get enough food—and especially iron, vitamin C, and calcium rich foods—are less likely to absorb high levels of lead. RHHD offers access to healthy foods for children through the WIC Supplemental Nutrition program. 

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

In support of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) partners with Henrico Department of Social Services (HDSS) to encourage expecting and new parents and caregivers to talk with their pediatrician or other healthcare provider about creating a safe sleep environment for children under the age of two. 

“Awareness is one of the strongest tools we have to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Maternity Navigation Program Coordinator Adranae Mena. “RHHD provides safe sleep education through the Low-Income Safety Seat Program. We provide families with the right equipment for their vehicles and the knowledge to protect infants in their crib or bassinet. Through partnerships, education, and community support, RHHD gives parents and caregivers the confidence and resources they need to help infants sleep safely.” 

“As a community in Henrico, we equip parents and caregivers with safe practices for infant naps and overnight sleep,” said Henrico County Department of Social Services Assistant Director of Service Programs Mandi Green. “Creating consistent habits—having babies sleep alone, on their backs, and in a crib—will promote the health and well-being of our youngest residents.” 

RHHD and HDSS offer the following tips for creating a safe sleep environment:  

• Always place babies on their backs for naps and when they go to sleep at night.  
• Make sure the sleep surface is firm, flat, level, and covered only with a fitted sheet.   
• Share a room with babies for at least the first six months. Give babies their own sleep space (crib, bassinet, or portable play yard) in your room, separate from your bed.  
• Take the #ClearTheCrib Challenge and remove any extra items in the sleep area including soft objects, toys, and crib bumpers.  

For more tips and information, visit the National Institutes of Health Safe to Sleep campaign. 

In 2022, there were about 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in the U.S. 1,040 of those deaths were from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. In 2023, there were 69 cases of SUID in Virginia. 

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.