Each quarter, the CHIP Chat will provide action plan updates, spotlight partner efforts, and share opportunities for continued engagement.  

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the CHIP’s development and early implementation. Your efforts are what bring the CHIP to life, and we look forward to your continued partnership in this work!

Plain text version available of all CHIP Newsletters available upon request.

There will be a CHIP Steering Committee meeting in November. Steering Committee meetings review action plan progress, build upon strategies that have been successful, and propose revisions to strategies not progressing as planned.   

The Steering Committee meets virtually in the fall and in-person in the spring. If you would like to attend, please fill out this form with your information and availability.

The CHIP contributes to Virginia’s broader health improvement efforts through its alignment with the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being (VPfWB). This connection links our community efforts to statewide goals for improving health outcomes. 

CHIP strategies address three priority areas of the SHIP: obesity, mental health, and substance use.  

The SHIP provides resources to support local health improvement efforts, including the Community Health Data Portal. This publicly accessible tool provides locality-level data and visualizations to help understand health trends and inform local planning and strategy development. 

Since the CHIP’s release in May, RHHD and community partners have been working together to implement strategies across the CHIP’s priority areas. 

Heart Health Education: 

Since May 2026, RHHD has shared chronic disease information at 22 outreach events. To support these efforts, RHHD staff developed chronic disease education packets and introduced heart health as a topic that partners can select for outreach events. Staff also began connecting with partners, such as the YMCA of Greater Richmond, to explore opportunities for heart health education in the community.   

Community Blood Pressure Monitoring: 

RHHD collaborated with the YMCA of Greater Richmond and the Richmond Public Library to strengthen awareness about the free community blood pressure monitoring resources available at their branch locations. Our summer interns, Catherine and Lucia, did a wonderful job creating reels with the YMCA of Greater Richmond and the Richmond Public Library to highlight their blood pressure monitoring stations. Check them out on RHHD’s Instagram at @richmondcity_hd! 

Violence Prevention:  

RHHD strengthened partnerships with organizations working to address domestic violence. YWCA and RHHD’s Adolescent Health team worked together to develop a teen violence prevention health education lesson to teach in Richmond City.  

Trauma Healing Response Network (THRN) partners hosted events and workshops throughout the summer to help prevent and respond to violence by building community, addressing harm, and making resources available. In fiscal year 2026 to date, THRN partners have served 880 families, provided more than 927 Community Wellness Checks, and responded to 52 shootings.The network has disbursed $35,060 in emergency funds directly to impacted families, supported 10 relocations, provided 40 grief support groups, and helped prevent four retaliations. Upcoming THRN events can be found on the Instagram and Facebook pages (Trauma Healing Response Network, @thrn_rva_). 

Community Safety:  

Since May, RHHD has participated in monthly safety walks in Henrico County alongside Henrico Department of Social Services, Fire, Police, and Henrico Area Mental Health& Developmental Services. Recent outreach has included swim safety, extreme heat, and local safety resources. The next safety walk will focus on pedestrian safety. 

Addressing Substance Use-Related Harms:  

This July marks one year since three harm reduction vending machines were installed in Richmond City, providing 24/7 access to harm reduction supplies. As of June 30, 2026, these machines have dispensed a total of 4,651 items, including 1,798 total Naloxone kits and test strips and 2,853 total first aid kits and hygiene supplies. RHHD’s Substance Use Response team is currently working with Richmond City to plan the installation of three new vending machines by the end of the year, using data and community input to guide design and identify placement locations.   

The Richmond Opioid Task Force (ROTF) and Empower Henrico Task Force continue to identify needs and solutions to addressing opioid use in our communities.  

Increasing Access to Mental Health Resources:  

The City of Richmond’s Office of Opioid and Substance Use has continued to work on its Resource Mapping Project. The website is expected to launch by the end of the summer. 

YWCA Fall Programs and Events 

Discussion sessions around intimate partner, domestic and sexual violence in partnership with VCU Health Hub throughout the fall. Dates to be posted soon.  

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every October YWCA hosts a Memorial (Remember My Name) to honor the people we have lost to domestic violence. More information can be found on the YWCA webpage. Other events in October include a Domestic Violence prevention workshop (offered in English and Spanish) and a Domestic Violence Forum.  

Safe Harbor’s Walk to End It! 

• When: Saturday, Sept. 26
• The Pier at Libbie Mill Lake: Libbie Lake E. Street, Richmond, VA 23230 
• Check-In: 9 a.m.
• Walk Starts: 10 a.m.

The Walk to End It is a fundraiser for Safe Harbor’s Human Trafficking Response Program and helps bring awareness to the issue locally and nationally. Whether you want to donate, rally a team, or walk alongside fellow supporters, there are plenty of ways to make an impact.

Community Partner Spotlight