Health Department

LATEST NEWS

RHHD celebrates successful school-required immunizations and physicals campaign

 

RHHD Community Health Workers expand access to naloxone and naloxone training in Resource Centers

Richmond, VA – July 31, 2023 –Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) expand access to naloxone (generic Narcan) and naloxone training for residents living near RHHD Resource Centers through the REVIVE! Lay Rescuer Training of Trainers program. This program empowers Community Health Workers (CHW) to teach the general public how to administer naloxone to stop an opioid overdose. Residents can receive this important training in RHHD’s Resource Centers during routine visits. 

“Teaching residents how to see the signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone makes me proud to know that I have somebody here in the community to save life when I’m not there,” shared Community Health Worker Quawneisha Peoples. “My goal is to have Narcan in the hands of everyone in the community,” said Community Health Worker Patrice Shelton, “We have not come up with a way to keep opioids out of the community, but we do have a way to equip the community with naloxone.” 

RHHD offers free virtual REVIVE! training each week via Zoom. REVIVE! is Virginia’s statewide opioid overdose and naloxone education program, which covers recognizing signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond using naloxone. Residents can register for a 40-minute training on Tuesdays from 6-7 PM or Thursdays from 1-2 PM using the following link: rhhd.gov/overdose-prevention and can indicate if they would like to become a trainer themselves. Those who are unable to attend a training but would like to be trained on and receive naloxone, can call or text (804) 592-8069 for more information. Residents can call ahead to arrange for free, contactless naloxone dispensing from RHHD Resource Centers from 10am to 1pm, Monday through Friday while supplies last: rhhd.gov/RC.  

Naloxone, the generic name for Narcan, blocks or reverses the effects of opioids — including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness — when administered during an overdose. On March 29, 2023, the FDA approved the over-the-counter sale of Narcan in the U.S. Previously, Narcan and generic naloxone were only available with a prescription. Virginia’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law states that no one is subject to arrest or prosecution for drugs/paraphernalia if seeking emergency medical attention for themselves or others who are overdosing. Between January 1 and June 30, 2023, RHHD hosted 158 naloxone distribution events, dispensed 553 units of Naloxone, and trained 211 residents to administer this life-saving drug.  

For more information about VDH and RHHD’s Opioid Response, please visit rhhd.gov/overdose-prevention or call (804) 592-8069. 

 

RHHD encourages families to complete school-required immunizations and physicals

June 28, 2023 — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to take advantage of the summer months and sign up their middle and high school aged children for school-required immunizations and physicals. Children can receive immunizations and physicals from their pediatrician, a local pharmacy, or from RHHD.  

“Summer is a great time to get your child up-to-date on school-required immunizations and physicals,” said Dr. Becca Bruhl, RHHD Advisor on Community & Children’s Health. “These safe and effective immunizations help keep our children and community healthy. I encourage parents to take advantage of one of these upcoming opportunities, and help ensure your child is ready for school on day one.” 

RHHD has opened registration for school-required immunizations and physicals at Henrico East, Henrico West, and Cary Street clinics, Resource Centers, and via its mobile van clinic. Spanish bilingual staff will be available at each location. Families can schedule appointments at an RHHD site by calling (804) 205-3501 and can find more information at RHHD.gov/childhoodvax. 

[Read the full press release]

Find Local Resources

Need help? Search free and reduced-cost services like medical care, food, housing, and more in your area.

SEARCH FOR LOCAL RESOURCES