Richmond City Health District

Happy anniversary to the Creighton Resource Center and all the amazing Community Health Workers on the frontline of public health! Thank you for listening to the communal needs and providing access services from primary care to employment support and everything in between - you make us whole. Creighton Resource Center is located at 2150 Creighton Road, Richmond, VA 23223. For questions, call (804) 371-0433.

Have you taken the Community Health Assessment (CHA)? RHHD’s Community Health Assessment Coordinator, Jasmine Carmichael, explains everything you need to know about this year’s CHA. If you’re ready to take the Community Health Assessment, visit rhhd.gov/2024-cha. Paper copies are also available at RHHD locations.

Health Equity and Heat The way that neighborhoods are designed, from tree cover to public transportation access and green space availability, is an important social determinant of health. The inequitable distribution of tree cover across Richmond and Henrico deepens health inequities already in place in our communities. Urban heat island effect is like a positive feedback loop; while many people can cool off at home, folks struggling with housing insecurity or expensive energy bills may need to look for public places to cool off, like libraries or public pools. For residents who do not own a car, walking or riding the bus might be their only option, but they may be exposed to extreme temperatures while waiting at an unsheltered bus stop. The City of Richmond is getting ready to create an Urban Forestry Master Plan, and residents can stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to help cool the hottest parts of the city. Meanwhile, Henrico County is working on reforestation efforts at county parks. You can also check out organizations like Southside ReLeaf and Groundwork RVA that are working to increase tree cover in our area. Check out ReLeaf by visiting southsidereleaf.org and Groundwork RVA at groundworkrva.org/programs.

Liberation, equal access, and community health: RHHD celebrates Juneteenth Tomorrow, June 19, marks the fourth federal observance of Juneteenth. Even before Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021, the day was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on a national history of enslavement and to celebrate emancipation—the news of which reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865, almost two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.? Health and well-being are important parts of modern Juneteenth celebrations. One advocate for a federal holiday was the Reverend Ronald V. Myers; in addition to his work in Washington, he was a practicing family doctor who worked to prevent infant mortality and chronic illness in rural Mississippi. This year at RHHD, we honor Dr. Myers’s legacy as our staff continues to link public health with freedom, equality, and justice. Here are a few of their reflections and calls to action.

We are still accepting Health Equity Fund (HEF) applications until June 23, 2024 - Apply soon! The Richmond Health Equity Fund (HEF) is accepting applications for projects that serve Richmond residents - addressing a range of health disparities and building strong, thriving communities across the City. The HEF seeks to fill gaps in funding and resources for vital, innovative, evidence-based initiatives. Single organizations, collaboratives, and individual leaders are all eligible to apply. To access the application, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eMe5wMk3.

Walking Wednesdays with Charles RHHD joins Charles, our Employee Wellness Coordinator, every Wednesday for a brisk midday walk with encouragement and great company as we all walk our way to better health, no matter the weather! Charles shared a quote from Dean Ornish, "Walking is an exercise that does not require a gym membership or special equipment, and it is a powerful antidote to stress." Walking is not just exercise for the body; it's a break for the mind. While we're here, it's a good time to refresh on some heat safety tips, as summer 2024 heats up. Here in Virginia, temperatures above 86°F can lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses. For temperatures in the mid 90s or above, a fan alone will not keep you cool!? * Get to a place with AC, such as a cooling center!? * Drink water, pull out some ice packs, take a cold shower, and avoid peak heat around 12-3pm.? * Limit physical activity, especially midday? Be alert and stay informed! Remember to:? * Check the local news for health and safety updates? * Check on your neighbors, friends, and others? * For Richmond Resources, call 311. * For Henrico Resources, call 804-501-4000? * If you or someone else is experiencing an emergency, call 911 Keep cool and stay hydrated as our days get warmer!

RHHD’s Summer of Surveys For some people, the start of summer might mean sticking CHArcoal on the grill or hanging out in a lawn CHAir, but RHHD is thinking about a different CHA: our 2024 Community Health Assessment. This anonymous survey for residents tries to answer big questions: What’s helping our neighborhoods stay healthy and well? Which communities need more resources to solve harder problems?? You can pitch in by 1) taking the survey yourself and 2) sharing it with friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family who live in Richmond and Henrico. You can access the CHA online at rhhd.gov/2024-CHA or using a paper form at one of RHHD’s clinics, resource centers, WIC offices, or outreach tables at summer community events. The survey is available in English and Spanish.??

Health Equity Fund Webinar! Interested in learning more about the Health Equity Fund (HEF)? Have questions about filling out the HEF application? We will be hosting an information session for those interested in applying for funding. Thursday, June 13, 1 - 2 p.m. To register, please visit rhhd.gov/hefwebinar2024!

Now Accepting Health Equity Fund (HEF) Applications! HEF partner applications will be open until June 23, 2024! The Richmond Health Equity Fund (HEF) is accepting applications for projects that serve Richmond residents - addressing a range of health disparities and building strong, thriving communities across the City. The HEF seeks to fill gaps in funding and resources for vital, innovative, evidence-based initiatives. Single organizations, collaboratives, and individual leaders are all eligible to apply. To access the application, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eMe5wMk3!?

Get to know RHHD’s Health Equity Specialist: Cameron Foster In May, RHHD welcomed a new Health Equity Specialist to our team! Cameron Foster joins us after working for the VDH Central Office as a COVID-19 investigator and vulnerable population data analyst. Cameron has a master’s in public health from Eastern Virginia Medical School and an MBA from William & Mary. Cameron also won Best Dressed at RHHD, featuring his beloved dog Biscuit on his shirt! He talked to us about his understanding of and hopes for this new job!? Cameron was asked, “How do you think about health equity?”?He shared, “A lot of people understand the main idea of health equity and why it’s important, but it’s like any big reform movement—what does it look like in practice? I try to move from the idea to action. I break health equity down into things people can understand. Let’s think about access, for example. Are people able to find a primary care provider who takes their insurance, or who they can reach through public transportation? Do they have time to take off work to go? Are there even enough providers in the area?”? Welcome to RHHD, Cameron—we're glad you’re here!?Read Cameron’s full story by visiting rhhd.gov/cameron-foster!