Category: pr

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2026

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

RHHD Highlights Black Maternal Health Services 

Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17 

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17 by highlighting services for women offered at RHHD clinics, offices, and resource centers. 

“Pregnancy is a journey often marked by beautiful and challenging moments, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Black Maternal Health week gives us an opportunity to stop and reflect on the unique maternal child health concerns of Black birthing individuals. Public health data shows us that Black families experience elevated rates of maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birth weight and infant mortality. These outcomes can be changed one pregnancy at a time!” 

RHHD offers the following programs and services for reproductive and maternal and child health: 

• Ensuring women have control over reproductive health

  • RHHD offers Family Planning and STI clinical services at its Henrico East, Henrico West, and Cary Street (STI only) clinics, as well select resource centers. All services are offered on a sliding scale based on financial availability. Family Planning visits offer the following services:
    • Gynecological check-ups 
    • Breast self-exam instruction 
    • Birth control methods & counseling 
    • Pap smears and screening tests for sexually transmitted infections 
      • Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria. Mothers who have syphilis while pregnant may not have any symptoms but can pass the infection to their babies and cause severe health problems. Syphilis can be transmitted to the unborn child at any stage of infection, though it is most contagious during its primary and secondary stages. 
        • Cases of congenital syphilis have been rising in Virginia and in the Central Region, which includes Richmond City and Henrico County, since 2016.  
        • Screening for syphilis can help to prevent transmission. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) revised its syphilis screening recommendations for sexually active people aged 15-44 to be based on rates of all stages of syphilis among women 15-44, instead of only primary and secondary cases. Expanding the guidelines to include the rate of all stages of syphilis ensures a more accurate representation of counties with high syphilis rates among women, including counties with congenital syphilis diagnoses that would otherwise have been left out. VDH recommends that pregnant persons get screened during the first trimester, early third trimester, and at delivery. 
      • RHHD clinics also provide regular screening for other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C based on personal risk factors and sexual history. 

• • RHHD also offers HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services at its Henrico East Clinic and Cary Street Clinic. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). PrEP may also be an option to help protect pregnant people and their babies from getting HIV while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Virginia residents can contact the RHHD PrEP team at 804-664-2125.  

Improving access to maternal health 

• The Maternity Navigation team supports expectant parents with pregnancy confirmation, connection to prenatal care, benefits enrollment, and material distribution. Richmond residents seeking Maternity Navigation services can call 804-482-5454. Henrico residents seeking Maternity Navigation services can call 804-501-5520. 
• The Black birthing population continues to experience adverse maternal, child health outcomes. They have an increased risk of severe illness during pregnancy and preterm birth. 
• The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  provides nutrition education and healthy foods to improve pregnancy outcomes and enable families to make lifelong healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Virginia residents can apply for WIC support through this online form. 
• RHHD clinical services accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. RHHD participates in Virginia Vaccines for Children and Virginia Vaccines for Adults, providing free immunizations to children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured.  
• RHHD connects women to primary care providers that focus on women’s health. 

Maternal Health Data 

Each year in the United States, hundreds of people die during pregnancy or in the year after. Thousands more have unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery with serious short- or long-term health consequences. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs, providing timely treatment, and delivering respectful, quality care can prevent many pregnancy-related deaths. 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare and underlying chronic conditions. Social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.  

Tips for pregnant women and their families 

• Talk to a healthcare provider if anything doesn’t feel right or is concerning. 
• Seek immediate care if experiencing any of the urgent maternal warning signs, including severe headache, extreme swelling of hands or face, trouble breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, overwhelming tiredness, and more. These symptoms could indicate a potentially life-threatening complication. 
• Share recent pregnancy history during each medical care visit for up to one year after delivery. 
• Connect with healthcare and social support systems before, during, and after pregnancy. 

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 6, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

RHHD Highlights 2025 Annual Report for National Public Health Week 

National Public Health Week is April 6 – 12
 

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Public Health Week April 6 – 12 by highlighting public health accomplishments and services. RHHD’s 2025 Annual Report provides community members with updates from its teams that focus on Clinical Services, Community Health, Protection and Response, Population Health, and more.  

“National Public Health Week is a great time to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing public health workers at the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts,” said RHHD Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Our Annual Report presents an overview of some of their accomplishments, but no single report can fully capture the impact our staff makes in communities, clinics, and schools.” 

In 2025, RHHD: 

• Continued its Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), partnering with community leaders to address chronic disease, mental health (including substance use), and community safety and violence. Community members can read the full 2024 Community Health Assessment Report online.  

• Vaccinated 14,658 seventh and 12th grade students 

• Provided 325 health screenings for newcomers from nine countries 

• Provided Community Health Workers at 185 community outreach events 

• Managed and treated 27 active tuberculosis cases and 269 latent tuberculosis infections 

• Enrolled 90 new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) clients. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. 

• Served 285 Maternity Navigation clients 

• Served an average of 8,781 monthly Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients 

• Completed 1,154 investigations to prevent the spread of HIV and syphilis 

• Investigated 153 infectious disease outbreaks 

• Formalized plans to better identify and alert the public to high West Nile Virus activity 

• Completed 4,952 food service inspections 

• Provided 1,995 Medical Reserve Corps volunteer hours (223 during Winter Storm Blair and Richmond Water Crisis) 

• Lead 80 Adolescent Health education sessions 

• Conducted 3,490 wellness checks through the Trauma Healing Response Network 

• Distributed 560 naloxone kits, 260 fentanyl test strips and 100 xylazine test strips 

• Conducted 4,216 Family Planning and STI clinic visits 

• Provided an Outreach Coordinator at an average of six events each month 

Please fill out this online form to request RHHD presence at a community outreach event. 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: March 24, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Seek Preventative Care, Screening for Tuberculosis 

March 24 is World TB Day 

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to seek preventative care, screening, and/or treatment for tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. World TB Day is on March 24.  

Local and state TB data 

Data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) show that Richmond City (3.1) and Henrico County (3.0) had higher rates of TB cases per 100,000 people than Virginia (2.6) in 2024. In 2024, Virginia reported 225 cases of tuberculosis (TB), a 9% increase from the 207 cases reported in 2023. This increase was expected as local and national TB numbers continued to increase after declines in reported cases during the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia’s TB case rate increased from 2.4 cases per 100,000 persons in 2023 to 2.6 cases per 100,000 persons in 2024. Virginia’s 2024 rate, as it has in the past, remained below the national rate of 3 cases per 100,000 persons. 

“Tuberculosis continues to have an impact on public health in our commonwealth and our districts,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “World TB Day reminds us of the importance of prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment of this serious infectious disease.” 

Impact of TB 

TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB can die if they do not get treatment. People with TB disease are most likely to spread the germs to people they spend time with every day, such as family members or coworkers. People who have been around someone who has TB disease should contact their doctor or local health department for tests. RHHD staff can help people determine which TB test they need. 

There are two TB-related conditions: active tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or inactive TB. People with active TB disease usually feel sick, have symptoms and can spread TB to others. People with LTBI do not feel sick, do not have symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. Most people with inactive TB don’t know that they are infected. The RHHD Tuberculosis Program strives to prevent, identify, and treat tuberculosis in both its latent and active forms.  

The general symptoms of active TB disease include: 

• Feelings of sickness or weakness 

• Weight loss  

• Fever 

• Night sweats  

The symptoms of active TB disease of the lungs also include: 

• Coughing (especially a cough that won’t go away) 

• Chest pain 

• Coughing up of blood 

TB testing and treatment 

Call 804-482-5500 to schedule an appointment with the RHHD Tuberculosis Program. Visit rhhd.gov for more information on RHHD clinical services, including screenings. 

Active TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for six to 12 months. It is very important that people who have TB disease take the drugs exactly as prescribed for the entire length of the treatment. People who stop taking the drugs too soon can become sick again. If the drugs are not taken correctly, germs that are still alive in the body may become resistant to those drugs. Treating inactive TB or LTBI prevents the future development of active TB disease. RHHD’s TB outreach workers make sure clients have what they need to stay on track with their medication. 

People at higher risk of developing active TB from inactive TB include: 

• People with HIV 

• Children younger than 5 years of age 

• People recently infected with TB bacteria 

• People with inadequately treated active TB  

• Anyone who’s immune system is suppressed either from a medical condition or medications that are taking (TNF alpha antagonists, system steroids, etc.)  

• People with Diabetes 

• People with low body weight  

• People who are medically underserved 

World TB Day is recognized each year on March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB. 

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: March 19, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children Before Summer 

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to schedule a wellness visit for children with their primary care provider before the summer months. These visits allow children to receive school-required immunizations and physicals before summer travel and activities.  

Vaccines provide essential protection against serious diseases that can affect children. As of March 19, 2026, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has already reported 14 cases of measles. VDH reported five cases of measles in all of 2025. A safe and effective vaccine that prevents measles is given as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine series. 

Families can schedule appointments with a primary care physician or one of RHHD’s community partners. RHHD provides resources for families on Medicaid, Medicare, or who are uninsured at rhhd.gov/connect-pc. Please visit RHHD’s School Health Hub, Richmond Public Schools, or Henrico County Public Schools for more information. 

“Spring is a great time for your child to see their primary care provider for a wellness visit,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “A primary care provider will make sure your child gets the immunizations and physicals they need for school and sports. Taking care of these important visits now means kids will have more time for summer fun and will be ready for school in the fall.” 

School-Required Immunizations 

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrollment. The Code of Virginia also requires specific vaccinations for rising seventh and 12th graders. According to data from VDH, vaccination rates for Richmond City and Henrico County 13-year-olds are lower than Virginia statewide rates for the following vaccines: 

• meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY),  

• human papillomavirus (HPV) 

• tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) 

The Virginia childhood vaccine schedule aligns with the schedules of the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). All vaccines on these schedules are covered by Medicaid and private health insurance. 

The Virginia Vaccines for Children Program (VVFC) provides free or low-cost vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC at rhhd.gov/vfc. 

Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their primary care physician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. Families can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners. 

Families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling 804-205-3500 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. Students must bring a guardian, a copy of immunization records, and an insurance card if they have one. 

School Physicals 

The Code of Virginia requires children to have a school physical before starting public kindergarten or enrolling in elementary school for the first time. During a physical, a doctor can: 

• Identify potential health issues that could impact kids’ learning  

• Ensure kids have the immunizations they need 

• Promote healthy habits 

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: March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Encourages Severe Weather Awareness 

March 9 – 13 is Severe Weather Awareness Week 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making preparations for severe weather. March and April are traditionally the most active months for tornadoes in Virginia. Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9 – 13. 

“Severe weather can happen with little to no warning, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Local Health Emergency Coordinator Alyssa Lewis. “While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are! It’s never too late to make sure you, your family, friends, and neighbors are signed up for trusted community alerts, have an emergency plan, and have well-stocked emergency kits. Taking a little time now to prepare can give us peace of mind year-round!” 

RHHD recommends the following tips for preparing for severe weather: 

• Locate safe shelters in the places you spend the most time. In each location, find a small room or hallway with no windows, preferably in a basement or first floor. Once you’ve identified your shelter, communicate that plan with family members or coworkers so everyone knows where to go when a tornado warning sounds.  

• Choose a reliable news source and stay up to date on the weather. 

• Consider participating in Virginia’s statewide tornado drill March 10 at 9:45 a.m.  

• Register for an in-person or online SKYWARN class to learn how to spot and report dangerous storm systems. 

RHHD recommends the following tips for staying prepared for emergency situations: 

• Store important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification documents, and bank account records, in a waterproof, portable container or save them electronically. 

• Keep medications in a central location for easy evacuation if needed. 

• Prepare a “go-bag” with clothes, toys and toiletries for five days. 

• Know, and practice, your safe spaces and exits. 

• Identify friends, neighbors, and relatives who might need extra help during an emergency, including older adults, people with disabilities, and those without transportation. Create a phone tree or contact strategy to check in on them. 

• Choose a central spot to reunite with your family if separated. 

• Richmond residents should sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts. Henrico County residents should sign up for Henrico County Community Emergency Notifications. 

• Update your insurance yearly and consider flood insurance. Most insurance companies do NOT pay for flooding damage through a standard homeowner’s policy. 

Visit ready.gov for more emergency preparedness tips. 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: March 6, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Highlights Women’s Health Services for International Women’s Day 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8 by highlighting services for women offered at RHHD clinics, offices, and Resource Centers. 

“When women are healthy, our communities are stronger,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “International Women’s Day reminds us of the importance of making sure women have access to the care and resources they need at every stage of life.” 

RHHD offers the following programs and services that focus on women’s health: 

Improving access to maternal health 

• The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  provides nutrition education and healthy foods to improve pregnancy outcomes and enable families to make lifelong healthy eating and lifestyle choices. On average, 8,781 people per month received WIC services across RHHD’s multiple WIC locations. 

• The Maternity Navigation team supports expectant parents with pregnancy confirmation, care connection, benefits enrollment, and materials distribution. The Maternity Navigation team served 285 clients in 2025. 

Increasing awareness about chronic disease management 

• As part of the VDH Healthy Hearts Initiative, RHHD Cardiovascular Health Community Health Workers support community members with hypertensive conditions by providing: 

• Connections to primary care providers 

• Nutrition and exercise education 

• Blood pressure monitoring  

• Gender inequality impacts heart attack fatalities, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention, and early disease management 

Expanding access to healthcare 

• RHHD clinical services accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. RHHD also participates in Virginia Vaccines for Children and Virginia Vaccines for Adults, providing free immunizations to children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured.  

• RHHD connects women to primary care providers that focus on women’s health.
  RHHD Resource Centers offer a variety of clinical and community health services in Richmond’s public housing communities. All services are available to anyone, and cost is based on a sliding scale. 

Ensuring women have control over reproductive health 

• RHHD offers Family Planning and STI clinical services at its Cary Street , Henrico East,and Henrico West clinics, as well as Mosby Resource Center. All services are offered on a sliding scale based on financial availability. Family Planning visits offer the following services: 

• Gynecological check-ups for women desiring birth control 

• Breast self-exam instruction 

• Pap smears and screening tests for sexually transmitted infections 

• Birth control methods & counseling 

• RHHD also offers HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services at its Henrico East Clinic and Cary Street Clinic. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Virginia residents can contact the RHHD PrEP team at 804-482-5493. 

• National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day is March 10. 

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: February 26, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Real Love Respects

RHHD Highlights Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind teens and the community what love is. Love should feel safe and supportive, not controlling or frightening.

Teen dating violence is more common than many might realize. In the U.S., 1 in 10 teens experienced some form of dating violence. It can happen in person, online, or through text messages. Experiencing relationship violence during adolescence is linked to higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, and future relationship violence.

“Healthy relationships are a key part of overall health and well-being, especially for young people,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager, Tamara Jones-Groves. “When teens can recognize the difference between caring and controlling behaviors, they are better prepared to build safe relationships, protect their mental health, and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.”

Dating violence can include:

• Psychological and Emotional Abuse: Using words or behaviors to control their partner, destroy the partner’s self-confidence or esteem, or keep them away from other people.
• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shoving or intentionally injuring a partner.
• Sexual Abuse: Pressuring or forcing another person to have sex, including when the partner is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Stalking: Repeated unwanted attention.

Unhealthy relationships can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. They thrive in isolation. It’s important for teens to maintain relationships with friends and family while dating. Parents and mentors should talk with teens about relationships and create an environment where they can be honest without the fear of judgement or getting in trouble.

Understand the difference between caring and controlling

According to Nisa Foundation, a caring healthy partner respects and values their significant other’s independence and individuality. They understand the importance of maintaining separate identities and encourage their partner to pursue their own interests and relationships outside of the partnership.

A controlling partner’s behavior often aims to lessen their own anxiety by eliminating uncertainty or doubt in the relationship. Past trauma may contribute to the need for control. Control may take the form of criticism, threats, humiliation, and isolation. To maintain perceived control, individuals may blame others or manipulate events.

Controlling behavior may make someone feel like they have no autonomy or independence. Over time, this can lead to feelings of suffocation, loss of self-esteem, and decreased confidence in their abilities and decisions.

Parents, schools, and communities play an important role in modeling and promoting healthy, supportive relationships. Support can include sharing posts on social media, talking with teens about healthy relationships, and supporting survivors without judgment.

Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships

Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships helps young people make safer dating choices.

Healthy relationships

• Respecting each other’s feelings and boundaries
• Honesty
• Equality
• Both people consent or agree freely
• Support for individual growth
• Feeling safe
• Willingness to work through conflicts

Unhealthy relationships

• Lack of respect for each other’s feelings and boundaries
• Checking your phone
• Controlling who you can be friends with
• Excessive texts or calls
• Explosive temper
• Threatening or causing physical violence
• Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity

Other ways to help

No one is alone.  If someone is experiencing dating violence, call 911 or reach out to one of the resources listed below.

• YWCA Help Line (call or text)
  • 804-612-6126
• Action Alliance
• 1-800-838-8238 (Talk)
• 804-793-9999 (Text)
• Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline
  • 1-800-838-8238
• Love Is Respect

Leaving an unhealthy relationship can be hard, but safety and mental health matters.

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: February 13, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

 

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day 

Get Free Condoms from Richmond and Henrico Health Districts 

 

RICHMOND, Va.– It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is also National Condom Day! One of the simplest ways to show you care is to protect the health of those you love. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) provide free condoms to support safer and healthier sexual relationships. 

Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and dinner dates. RHHD reminds you that protection should also be part of the plan. 

“Using a condom is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your sexual health,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “When used correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV. Add condoms to your list when you are picking up flowers and chocolates. Let romance include protecting your sexual health and your partner’s!” 

Virginia STI Data 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a serious public health concern in Virginia.  More than 54,000 STIs were reported in Virginia in 2024. The increase in syphilis diagnoses among women is of particular concern. The rate of newly diagnosed syphilis cases among women increased 144% from 2020 to 2024. For the same time period, newly diagnosed syphilis cases among all genders increased 117% in Richmond City and 65% in Henrico County. 

Cases of congenital syphilis, when a pregnant person passes syphilis to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, increased for the fifth straight year in Virginia. In 2024, 35 cases of congenital syphilis were reported among newly born infants, the highest case count observed in more than 30 years in Virginia. 

Where to find free condoms 

Because many STIs, including syphilis, often show no symptoms, you can spread them without knowing it. Using condoms consistently and correctly is an effective way to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy. 

The Virginia Department of Health distributes condoms statewide through its Condom Distribution Program, which is designed to reduce HIV and other STIs through free access to protection. 

Free condoms are available at RHHD and through community partner organizations. Call 804-205-3500 to locate free condoms nearby. 

Organizations interested in becoming distribution sites should contact the HIV-STD Hotline Supervisor at HIV-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov. Participating organizations may order up to 100,000 condoms per year. 

RHHD can also help you decide if medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) is right for you. Call 804-664-2125 to get started. 

Make this Valentine’s Day a night to remember, not a diagnosis you want to forget. 

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: February 5, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

 

RHHD Commemorates National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Feb. 7 

 

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Wednesday, Feb. 7, by encouraging Black and African American community members in Richmond City and Henrico County to get tested and seek treatment. This day creates the opportunity for healthcare providers and policy makers to reflect on the ways racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect those seeking and receiving HIV prevention and treatment services. 

National, state, and regional HIV/AIDS data 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, Black/African American persons made up approximately 12% of the population of the United States but accounted for 37% (11,900) of the estimated 31,800 new HIV infections.    

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data from 2023 show that Richmond City (26.5) and Henrico County (14.7) both had higher rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (by health district) than Virginia as a whole (10). In the Central Region, which includes Richmond and Henrico, there were nearly twice as many Black people living with HIV than all other races and ethnicities combined. 

“We are several decades removed from the hardest days of the HIV epidemic in the United States, but the stigma around HIV still persists,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Through education and ensuring access to preventive care and screening, we can continue the great progress that public health has made in reducing the effects of HIV on Black communities.” 

RHHD HIV/STI services 

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. 

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: February 2, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 
 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Prioritize Heart Health 

February is American Heart Month 

 

RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of American Heart Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to take action to prioritize heart health. 

“Heart health continues to be one of the top areas of health focus in our community,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “Our 2024 Community Health Assessment showed that Richmond and Henrico residents and community partners see chronic disease as a top health priority. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to support heart health in the region. We encourage folks to promote their own heart health by quitting smoking, getting regular physical exercise, and eating heart-healthy foods.”  

Heart disease data 

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) chronic disease data from 2023 show that Richmond City and Henrico County had hospitalization and death rates for cardiovascular disease higher than statewide rates. According to CDC data from 2023, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Virginia, Richmond City, and Henrico County.  

RHHD offers the following tips for choosing heart-healthy foods and activities: 

• Check your blood pressure. Read more about ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure. Here are some helpful tips for talking with a doctor to manage and check your blood pressure. You can also measure and track your blood pressure at home. 

• Take steps to quit smoking by contacting RHHD’s Free From Tobacco program on the web or by calling 804-482-8018. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Quit Now Virginia, which includes free telephone or web-based counseling services, Text2Quit support, self-help materials, and referrals to local resources. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia Website. 

• Choose healthy meals and snacks. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet and choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fat. Try heart-healthy recipes from the American Heart Association. 

• Make physical activity a regular part of your day. Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This type of exercise could be a brisk walk, running, or bicycling. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day. 

• Get vaccinated. Flu, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory events in older adults. Adults over 65 and people with chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to severe complications from these illnesses. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half American adults live with some type of cardiovascular disease and are more likely to experience severe illness that may result in hospitalization or death.
   

Healthy Hearts Initiative 

As part of the VDH Healthy Hearts Initiative, RHHD Cardiovascular Health Community Health Workers support community members with hypertensive conditions by providing: 

• Connections to primary care providers 

• Nutrition and exercise education 

• Blood pressure monitoring 

Community members can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to find local primary care providers. Community members can visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. 

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