The Richmond Health Equity Fund invests in community-led programs, initiatives, and leaders to improve health and quality of life in communities experiencing deep health disparities and the longstanding impacts of racism.
In October 2021, the City of Richmond established the Health Equity Fund through an initial investment of $5 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Mayor Levar Stoney proposed and Richmond City Council established the HEF to focus on seven key areas of health disparity. Within these areas, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) with lived and professional expertise in health disparities will determine investments by reviewing a wide range of recent data. Awards will vary in amount and duration to accommodate both small but powerful community projects and more complex work that may take longer to implement.
RHHD Staff Collaboration with RHPHF
In addition to dozens of community partners, RHPHF works closely with the team from Richmond and Henrico Health Districts to ensure the close alignment of the Foundation’s work with local public health priorities and opportunities.
The Board and staff of the Foundation collaborate with the professionals at RHHD through Committees and project teams.
RHHD’s Health Director serves ex-officio on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Additional staff supporting and coordinating with the Foundation include:
- Ross Catrow, Communications Director
- Elisabeth Denison, Business Manager
- Deanna Krautner, Chief Operations Officer
- Ruth Morrison, Policy Director
- Amy Popovich, Nurse Manager
- Margo Webb, Director of Community Programs
Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation
Mission
Founded in 2021, the Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to develop and mobilize resources in support of the goals of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts in order to promote health and health equity.
Dr. Danny Avula
Board President
Commissioner of the Department of Social Services
Commonwealth of Virginia
Carolyn Champion
Treasurer
Philanthropy Consultant
Dominion Energy
Rudene Mercer Haynes
Secretary
Partner
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Stephanie Toney, RN
Community Health Worker Consultant
CHW Strength
Dr. Elaine Perry
Director
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts
Dr. Thad Williamson
Associate Professor of Leadership Studies and Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law
University of Richmond
Tara Wiley
Health Access Program Officer
Virginia Healthcare Foundation
Lawanda Dunn, RN
Population Health Nurse Supervisor
RHHD
Contact
Ruth Morrison
Policy Director
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts
ruth.morrison@vdh.virginia.gov
Need help finding resources?
Call (804) 205-3500 or 211