Operation HELP (Henrico Early Life Project)

In partnership with Chesterfield County and Richmond City Health Departments, Henrico County has helped fund a regional public advertising campaign, including television commercials and radio ads.  The ads have communicated the importance of prenatal care, recognizing the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, reducing the risk of SIDS, and promoting preconceptional health -- essential behaviors that will lead to reduction of infant mortality rates.  To capitalize on this ongoing campaign, Henrico County is actively working to implement a strategic educational intervention program in several of our high-risk communities, including Henrico Arms, Seven Gables, Newbridge Village, Coventry Gardens, Delmont Plaza, and Essex Village.

Community Relationships

Henrico County Health Department has been working to forge relationships with existing community organizations and faith-based groups that are active within Henrico.  The Health Department is interested in identifying the strengths of these organizations and inviting them to partner up with other area groups to offer educational intervention programs to identified high risk communities.  It has also been participating in community events that offer the chance to reach out to women of childbearing age and provide them with information critical to the health of mother and child.

The Health Department is looking to launch a local chapter of Community Voice: Taking it to the People.  It is a program that has been designed to increase community awareness and knowledge of Black American infant mortality and the basics of perinatal health.  The program is sensitive to Black Americans and deals with a variety of topics such as general health and well-being, pregnancy, baby care, the importance of seeing a doctor, the harmful effects smoking, alcohol, and drugs can have, and how to deal with the loss of a baby.  If you would like to learn more please visit the Community Voice link (add a link to the CV page we have loaded on the website).

Research

Research has consistently shown the importance of a woman's health before she becomes pregnant.  Taking folic acid (a daily supplement of 400 micrograms) before and after conception helps to reduce the risk of certain birth defects, including spina bifida, by as much as 80 percent.  Supplies of folic acid have been purchased by the Health Department and are being distributed through its clinics, WIC offices, and by local physicians.

Public Awareness

Another crucial factor in having a successful pregnancy is the ability to recognize and appropriately respond to the signs and symptoms of pre-term labor.  The public needs to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of pre-term labor with prematurity being the leading cause of infant death in Henrico County.  Pregnant women experiencing contractions, pelvic pressure, change in vaginal discharge, leaking of fluid, low dull backaches, menstrual-like cramps and abdominal cramps should know to seek immediate medical care.

Links