Category: RHHD Press Release Archives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2026

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

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to make appointments to get vaccines that can help protect against respiratory viruses.

“Now is a great time to protect yourself and those around you from respiratory infections like flu, COVID-19 and RSV” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Director Dr. Melissa Viray. “Make vaccines part of your fall preparations so that you don’t have to miss any festive gatherings due to illness.”

Make vaccination appointments

Make a vaccination appointment at your primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or an RHHD clinic. Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers that accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and patients without insurance.

Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) providers offer no-cost immunizations to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. Use rhhd.gov/vfa to search for a nearby provider. Virgina Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccinations 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. Use rhhd.gov/vfc to search for a nearby provider.

RHHD offers vaccination appointments at its Cary Street (804-205-3500), Henrico East (804-652-3190), and Henrico West (804-501-4522) clinics. Spanish bilingual staff are available at each location. Visit rhhd.gov/iz for more information.

Flu

RHHD recommends that everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions, get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season.

While the best time to get the flu vaccine is by the end of October, vaccination later in the season can still provide protection. Flu activity normally begins increasing in early October, often peaks in January or February and continues to late May.

The updated flu vaccine includes protection against three strains of flu virus, including the influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus that spread widely during the 2025-2026 season.

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone six months and older and are especially recommended for those at high risk of severe disease, including older adults, infants, and pregnant people.

RHHD recommends getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible, because vaccine protection decreases over time.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine. If you are 50-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider to decide if the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. If an adult 50 years and older has already received an RSV vaccine in a previous season, they do not need a dose this season.

All babies should be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options. A maternal RSV vaccine can be given during pregnancy, or an RSV monoclonal antibody can be given to your baby. These immunization products have been shown to cut the risk of hospitalization significantly for infants going into their first RSV season. Pregnant people and parents of newborns should talk with their healthcare providers about RSV immunizations.

For more information, visit the VDH Respiratory Illness webpage.

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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: September 29, 2026

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

World Heart Day is Sept. 29

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind you to add healthy habits into your daily lives to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. Lifestyle changes such as scheduling regular medical checkups, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, giving up tobacco, and managing chronic conditions can decrease your risk of experiencing heart-related issues. World Heart Day is Sept. 29.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Richmond City, Henrico County, and in Virginia as a whole,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Community Coordinator Caroline Best. “Richmond and Henrico have higher rates of heart disease deaths and hospitalizations compared to state averages. We can improve community heart health by increasing access to healthcare, nutritious foods, and places to stay active.”

Heart disease risk factors

Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include:

• High blood pressure
• High LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Smoking

 

• Physical inactivity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity

Heart attack signs and symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

If you have a heart attack, you are more likely to survive if you know the signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
• If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Community heart health resources

The Richmond City and Henrico County communities identified chronic disease, including heart disease, as an area of concern in the 2024 RHHD Community Health Assessment (CHA). The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) strengthens community awareness of free community blood pressure monitoring resources available at Richmond Public Library and YMCA locations.

For more information about heart disease, visit the Virginia Department of Health Heart Disease webpage.

# # #

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: September 23, 2026

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

Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 20-26

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and caregivers to choose the right car safety seat for their child and install the seat properly. RHHD Community Health Workers (CHWs) lead car seat safety classes each month at local resource centers and clinics as part of the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Low Income Safety Seat Distribution and Education Program. This program provides eligible families with new car seats and boosters along with education on proper installation and use. Call or email Community Health Worker Patrice Shelton at 804-404-5166 or patrice.shelton@vdh.virginia.gov for more information.

“Community Health Workers are trained in car seat safety, which is an important aspect of public health.” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Community Health Workers provide training to parents and caregivers on how to properly install car safety seats and can provide a brand-new seat to eligible families.”

How to choose a seat and get help with installation

Use this guide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to choose the right car safety seat for your child’s age and size. VDH hosts regular car safety seat check events and offers remote service by request. Many locations throughout the country will be offering free car safety seat inspections by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on National Seat Check Saturday (Sept. 26). Visit nhtsa.gov/CarSeatInspection to find out if an event or technician is available in your community.

Car seat safety tips from NHTSA

• Read the instructions. Read both the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual before installing a car seat. Contact a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for no-cost assistance.
• Use the tether on forward-facing car seats. Secure the tether when installing a forward-facing car seat. The tether prevents the car seat from moving forward in a crash and may prevent head injury.
• Don’t rush to the next seat. Keep kids in the right seat for their age and size for as long as possible.
• Keep kids under 13 in the back seat of the vehicle. Never place a car seat in the front seat. Air bags in the front seat are designed for adult passengers.
• Register car seats with the manufacturer. When you register your car seat with the manufacturer, the manufacturer will be able to notify you in the event of a recall. NHTSA’s SaferCar app provides an easy way for parents and caregivers to save their vehicle and car seat details.
• Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time. Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in a hot vehicle, allowing for the child’s temperature to rise quickly. In 2025, 31 children in the U.S. died of heatstroke in vehicles.

According to NHTSA data, an average of three children were killed and an estimated 439 children were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2024 in the U.S. Child safety seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants under one year old and by 54% for toddlers one to four years old in passenger cars.

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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: August 18, 2026

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

RICHMOND, Va.– New courses, new teachers, new living situations, and new relationships can present challenges each year of college. Students can better meet these challenges and accomplish their goals by maintaining good health. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are offering college students tips for physical, sexual, and mental health to support a successful academic year.

“For college students, learning to maintain health is as important studying for exams,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves. “We provide teens and young adults with the information they need to protect their physical, sexual and mental health.”

Here are some tips for staying healthy at college:

Support immune function.

Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep can help to make sure the immune system is functioning properly. When the immune system is not working as well as it should, the risk of contracting diseases that are common on colleges campuses may increase, including:

• Gastrointestinal infections
• Respiratory illnesses
• Sinus infections
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, also known is meningitis
  • Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.

Eat a healthy diet.

RHHD recommends the following tips for healthy eating:

• Drink enough water. According to CDC, drinking water can prevent dehydration, which can cause mood change, fatigue, unclear thinking, overheating, constipation, and kidney stones.
• Eat a balanced breakfast. Teens tend to skip breakfast more often than during childhood. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teens who eat breakfast have improved memory and attention.
• Make the most of dining hall meals. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy options. Include a variety of protein foods. Healthful protein options include seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts and seeds.
• Keep healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, and a variety of protein rich options in your dorm so they are easily available.
• Be aware of caffeine consumption. Moderate caffeine consumption (up to 400 mg per day) can be a part of a balanced student diet. That’s about two to three 12 oz cups of plain coffee.
• Limit added sugars, sodium (salt), saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
• Stay within daily calorie needs.

Energy drinks might seem like a good way to fuel long study sessions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends understanding the harmful effects of energy drinks, which often include large amounts of caffeine. Some of the harmful effects of energy drinks include:

• Dehydration (not enough water in your body)
• Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure)
• Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery)
• Insomnia (inability to sleep)

Read the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 for more information

Sleep well.

Good sleep is essential for health and well-being and can help college students stay focused, improve concentration and improve academic performance. CDC recommends taking the following steps to improve sleep:

• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing, and at a cool temperature.
• Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.

Get immunized.

College students should be up to date on all school-required immunizations. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends the following vaccines for college students:

• Meningococcal ACWY
• Meningococcal B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Hepatitis A
• Influenza
• COVID-19

Check your immunization record and catch up on any missed doses. Vaccines are available through healthcare providers, pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and RHHD clinics.

Practice healthy hygiene habits.

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Don’t share drinks.
• Stay home when you’re sick.

Prioritize sexual health.

• Take steps to reduce your likelihood of getting a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
• If you are sexually active:
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly every time.
  • Talk with sexual partners about your sexual health and history.
  • Get tested for STIs, including HIV, at least once a year.
    • Testing is confidential and provided through most university and college student health services. RHHD offers testing on a sliding scale for income-eligible people. Some community partners offer free testing.
  • Learn about free or low-cost medications that can help prevent you from becoming infected with HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP).
    • RHHD offers PrEP and DoxyPEP at its Richmond City and Henrico East clinic locations. Call 804-482-5493 to learn more.

Prioritize mental health.

• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
• Know signs of anxiety and depression.
• Ask for help from people you trust.
• Seek mental health support. Many universities offer on-campus counseling services.
• In a crisis, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Think before you drink.

Alcohol consumption affects your body and mind. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that alcohol use is a factor in more than 1,500 deaths among college students ages 18 to 24 each year. One in five college women experience sexual assault during college. A majority of sexual assaults in college involve alcohol or other substances. According to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 13.1% of adults ages 18 to 25 met the criteria for past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD). Students who choose to drink should do so legally and responsibly and understand the risks.

Learn how to recognize the signs of alcohol overdose, call 911, and help someone may be experiencing an alcohol overdose. While waiting for medical help to arrive:

• Keep the person on the ground in a sitting or partially upright position rather than in a chair.
• Help a person who is vomiting. Have them lean forward to prevent choking.
• If a person is unconscious or lying down, roll them onto one side with an ear toward the ground to prevent choking.

Know where to go for care.

Locate your campus health center and learn what services they provide. Most student health centers offer primary care and mental health support services, often at low or no cost to students. Knowing where to go and what to do if you fall sick or get injured can save you stress and money.

Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to learn more about primary care options in your community.

For more health and safety information visit rhhd.gov. Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook.