The Richmond Health Equity Fund is providing $135,000 in continued funding to community organizations that address health disparities across the city. The grants will support programs focused on health care access, chronic disease, food security, maternal and child health, and mental and behavioral health.

“The Health Equity Fund embodies what it means to build a Thriving Richmond, where families, neighborhoods and communities have the resources they need and deserve to live healthy, full lives,” Mayor Danny Avula said. “I’m so thrilled to continue investing in trusted, community-led organizations that create real opportunity and advance health equity where it matters most. We’re deeply grateful to the community partners whose leadership makes this possible.” 

Amy Popovich, Richmond’s deputy chief administrative officer for human services, said the funding helps close long-standing health disparity gaps. 

“By investing in these seven organizational partners, we’re supporting proven, community-led programs that continue to reflect what a Thriving Richmond can be. This funding reflects our belief that every resident deserves the chance to thrive and that equity is achieved when we resource those closest to the work,” she said. 

The Health Equity Fund invests in community-led programs and leaders to improve health and quality of life in neighborhoods affected by longstanding inequities. Since its creation in October 2021 with $5 million in American Rescue Plan funds, the HEF has awarded more than $4.3 million, including $397,398 in new grants and $135,000 in renewed funding announced this week. 

Organizations receiving continued funding include CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, which provides chronic disease care and education for uninsured or Medicaid patients in Richmond, and Health Brigade, which offers testing, treatment and care for syphilis, hepatitis C, tuberculosis and HIV to low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents. Healthy Hearts Plus delivers an eight-week virtual diabetes self-management program and a Food is Medicine delivery program to help participants manage A1C levels, weight and related health conditions. 

Kinfolk Community produces culturally appropriate food, trains youth in urban agriculture and promotes physical and mental health through education and community events. Shalom Farms maintains its Mobile Market program and supports additional products from other producers, addressing rising costs and community needs. Urban Baby Beginnings is expanding care coordination for birthing and postpartum individuals and their infants in Richmond. Drums No Guns Foundation provides mindfulness programs, expands community circles and engages students in school and garden programming, including the Generation Dream educational concert. 

The HEF was established to address key areas of health disparity and has diversified its funding sources beyond the city’s initial ARPA investment. Partners now include The Community Foundation, the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation, Atlantic Union Bank, the Dominion Charitable Foundation and the Robins Foundation.