Health Risk Trends in Richmond, Virginia

Bryant Timmons

Public Health 100

Information provided by George Jones-- Community Health Promotion Specialist for Richmond, Virginia.

In Richmond, Virginia (Downtown) the number one statistic that stands out to public health professionals is the infant mortality rates.  This trend is associated with high African American population, low incomes, and a high amount of teen pregnancies (Jones, George).  Many of the teens that become pregnant neglect going to see a doctor as a preventive measure.   Substance abuse during pregnancy is also becoming a large problem.  Due to these factors there is an increased infant mortality in Richmond.

            The second trend that stands out and is closely linked with high infant mortality rates is the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.  The control the STDs has been an ongoing struggle for Richmond.  Because of this public health professions in Richmond have started many programs and formed coalitions to help educate people.  The focus of these programs have been the youth, so that patterns and trends that have been present for years can be reversed in today’s generation.  The education programs have also targeted populations that are at risk.

            Heart disease is an increasing worry to professionals.  The prior two trends have been more closely associated with the population in Richmond than heart disease.  It is a national trend that kills many people yearly.  The public health professional didn’t have any explanation, other than people are just living unhealthy lives.  This is a very preventable disease contingent upon personal choices.

            Richmond has been trying to limit the amount of lead child are exposed to.  It is an older city, so there are many homes that have lead based paint.  Of course the use of lead base paint is not continued, but there is still a lot of paints that expose children to lead (windowsills, baseboards, etc.).   Lead exposure can be especially harmful to the nervous system and the kidneys.  I am currently not aware of the plan of action that will be taken to reduce this exposure. 

            There has been a recent rise in tuberculosis cases in Richmond.  This is attributed to the increase in Hispanic populations.  Public health professionals have tried to start programs to help the Hispanic population, but language barriers and trust issues have prevented successful interventions.  Tuberculosis is also very hard to treat because the medication has to be taken every day for a year.  This can cause tuberculosis to come back even worse if the medication/treatment is not completed.