The latest round of funding from the Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation Health Equity Fund has been granted.
A total of six local organizations — including Sacred Heart Center and Nationz Foundation Inc. — will receive $644,000 from the city to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
Established from an initial $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the Health Equity Fund (HEF) aims to address health disparities and the longstanding impacts of racism in our area’s marginalized communities. Specifically, it seeks to prioritize seven key health disparities:
- COVID-19 disparities
- Mental and behavioral health
- Food access and security
- Substance use disorder
- Access to care and health education
- Maternal and infant health
- Underlying health conditions
To date, 15 local organizations have received $1.2 million from the HEF.
As for future funding, nominations are open. Organizations, projects, and programs that can help address the above health priorities can be nominated through Sunday, July 9.