Open Enrollment is Around the Corner

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Open Enrollment will be Tuesday, October 1st through Thursday, October 31st.

In case you missed it, check out the recent General Notice from HR Director, Yvette George!

It’s that time of year when you get to pick and choose your benefits for the next year, and we’ve got some tips to help you get ready:

  1. Check Out Your Current Benefits: Review what you have now – think about copays, deductibles, and any changes you might need.
  2. Think About Your Needs: Any big changes coming up? New family members, medical procedures on the horizon?
  3. Compare Your Options: Look at the different plans available to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you. How much will it cost, who’s covered, and where can you go for care?
  4. Get Some Help: Do you have questions or need a hand in deciding? Consider attending one of our Open Enrollment Information Sessions. No sign-up is required, and the sessions will be “open house” style. Come by anytime between 12pm and 5pm to ask questions, meet with our vendors, and obtain assistance with making changes.

Did you know our medical plans include the following?

  • SWORD Health: Solving pain holistically. It’s physical therapy in your own home using licensed doctors for physical therapy and breakthrough technology!
  • Lark: a digital diabetes prevention coaching program at no extra cost to you! It’s designed to address prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes.
  • Total Health Connections: Employees have a dedicated family advocate to personally assist you with unexpected emergencies and everyday health needs.

Coming this fall: There will be an Anthem team walking challenge for employees enrolled in our medical plan. More information to come in October!

Please visit the 2025 Open Enrollment Page on the employee website to learn more about our benefit offerings, plan details, and what’s new for 2025.

Changes made during Open Enrollment will be effective on January 1, 2025. Outside of Open Enrollment, changes can only be made within 60 days of a qualifying event. If you are currently enrolled and do not want to make any changes, your current elections (apart from FSA) will continue in 2025.

Enrollments and changes to your health, dental, short-term income protection (STIP), and flexible spending accounts (FSA) must be completed online through Employee Direct Access (EDA) by 4:30pm on October 31, 2024. Once you log in to EDA, click on the “My Benefits” icon to participate in Open Enrollment. Be sure to download or print your confirmation page!

To enroll or make changes to your voluntary benefits through Pierce Insurance, visit https://pierceins.com/henrico/.

Open Enrollment is your chance to set yourself up for a great year ahead. Take your time, weigh your options, and choose what works best for you. As a reminder, if you currently participate in the flexible spending account (FSA) benefit, you must re-enroll in this benefit each year during Open Enrollment.

Focus on your Fitness & Wellness this Fall

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Ready to elevate your well-being and join the fun? Sign up for The Henrico Wellness Academy, participate in the Fall Team Challenge, and lace up your running shoes to Run Richmond. Together, let’s achieve our wellness goals and celebrate our successes!

 

Introducing The Henrico Wellness Academy: Your Path to Physical Wellness!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Henrico Wellness Academy, an enriching program designed to boost your physical well-being from September 2024 to May 2025! This year’s theme is Physical Wellness, focusing on Nutrition, Exercise, and Sleep Hygiene. Here’s what’s in store:

  • Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from our esteemed guest speakers from Bon Secours Outpatient Nutrition and Anthem EAP. Their expertise will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
  • Healthy Cooking Demos: Join us for free, hands-on cooking demonstrations with The Green Kitchen to learn delicious and nutritious recipes.
  • Wellness Growth Groups: Participate in supportive Growth Groups to enhance your wellness journey with guidance and community.
  • The Henrico Wellness Academy Cohort: For those seeking a more personalized experience, join our special cohort within the Academy! Connect with a small group via Microsoft Teams, facilitated by our Fitness and Wellness trainers. Engage in unique learning activities and assignments, share experiences, and celebrate your progress with a special end-of-program ceremony.

Contact Sydnei Douglas ([email protected]) for more information.

 

Join Team Henrico for the Fall Team Challenge!

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, get ready to be part of the excitement as we aim to soar to the top in the Concept 2 Row-Bike-Ski Erg Team Challenge! Our goal is to rank first place worldwide by completing the most meters using the Concept 2 Row Erg, Bike Erg, or Ski Erg. We’ve proudly claimed first place in the Corporate Division three times and achieved 7th place worldwide last year. Participate to earn t-shirts, fitness mobility tools, and more.

Contact Team Captain Joshua Gaskins ([email protected]) for details, and check out the flyer for more information.

 

Run Richmond with Team Henrico

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 16! Join us for an exciting day of running and walking with three race options in downtown Richmond: a full marathon, a half-marathon, and an 8k. As a permanent employee, enjoy exclusive registration discounts and participate in this event promoting a healthy lifestyle.

To register, scan the QR code on the event flyer and use the specific discount code provided for your desired event. Please note that these exclusive discounts are only for permanent employees. Friends and family are welcome to participate in the event at regular registration costs. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Joey Pacelli ([email protected]).

Event Details: 

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 16 
  • Location: Starting in downtown Richmond 
  • Events: 
    • Allianz Partners Richmond Full Marathon 
    • Carmax Richmond Half-Marathon 
    • VCU Health Richmond 8k 

Discount Eligible Registration Deadline: Friday, Nov. 1

 

Record-breaking NACo Awards

Posted on by Christy Nealey

For the nineteenth consecutive year, Henrico County has won the most awards in one year by any county in Virginia! With 52 awards out of 62 entries, it is also the most won by Henrico in at least the last 25 years.

“Year after year, the outstanding and innovative work of employees of Henrico County and Henrico County Public Schools shines under the spotlight of the NACo Achievement Awards,” County Manager John A. Vithoulkas said. “Our 52 awards in 2024 are, quite possibly, our highest total ever. I applaud our employees for their energy, dedication, and creativity and for putting their hearts into doing all they can to make Henrico the best place it can be to live, work, play, and visit.”

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services was recognized with nine awards, nearly a fifth of Henrico’s total, and the most awards for a single general government department this year. Here are some of their standout projects!

Substance Use Overdose Response Program

This effort is a joint one developed by the Addiction Task Force Treatment Subcommittee to provide easy access to services. A bracelet with a pro-recovery message, the phone number of a peer, and the link to the bouncebackhc.com website was developed. The bracelet is widely distributed by police, fire, mental health, etc. The phone number is to a peer embedded in the Department of Fire. The peer assists the individual with linking to services and recovery support when the individual reaches out in an effort to reduce overdoses and increase the likelihood of recovery.

Forensic Discharge Program

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services has three forensic discharge planners to develop release plans for the seriously mentally ill in Henrico Jails. These providers ensure that the individual is linked to treatment, entitlements, medical care, housing when available, and other resources needed to ensure success upon release. This program has extremely successful outcomes, as only 3% of those who have participated in it have reoffended. 

Suicide Prevention Series

The Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services Prevention team partnered with New Kent County Schools and the Virginia Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill to provide suicide prevention training to all New Kent County high school students, teachers, and administrators. Parents were also invited to attend the training. The training was well-received by both students and adults. It linked several youths to care and assisted multiple people with recognizing warning signs in friends and family and learning how to respond. 

The 2024 awards recognize submissions from nine government departments and Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS). HCPS collected 22 awards; Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services, nine; Division of Fire, four; Economic Development Authority (EDA), Emergency Communications, Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) and Division of Recreation & Parks, three apiece; County Manager’s Office and Department of Finance, two apiece; Department of Public Utilities/Keep Henrico Beautiful, one. Many of the recognized programs reflect collaboration with other departments.

A complete list of the programs and their respective nominating agencies is below.

  • Teen Summit RVA, County Manager’s Office
  • Taking it to HEART, County Manager’s Office
  • Small Business Boost, EDA
  • Pop Up Mentoring Program (PUMP) for Small Business, EDA
  • Live Your Best 2023 Campaign, EDA
  • DEC Internship Program, Emergency Communications
  • 911 Wellness Initiative, Emergency Communications
  • Tactical Dispatch Program, Emergency Communications
  • Enhanced Engagement Process for Remote Business Taxpayers, Finance
  • Henrico County Virginia Transparency and Efficiency 21st Century Contract Management, Finance
  • Interview Preparation Program, Fire
  • Regional Water Response, Fire
  • Hazardous Incident Team Awareness Program, Fire
  • Expansion of “Whole Health” to include Cancer and Cardiovascular Screenings, Fire
  • BH Equity Working with the LGBTQIA2S+ Community, HAMHDS
  • Comfort Boxes, HAMHDS
  • Substance Use Overdose Response Program, HAMHDS
  • Strengthening Supervisory Intercultural Competence 2024, HAMHDS
  • Forensic Discharge Program, HAMHDS
  • Suicide Prevention Series, HAMHDS
  • Conflict Resolution Groups for Youth in Juvenile Detention, HAMHDS
  • CARE (Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement) Training, HAMHDS
  • Mobile Response Team, HAMHDS
  • Cook & Book, HCPL
  • Connecting Communities with Quilts, HCPL
  • Hamilton Glass Mural Workshop, HCPL
  • Birds, Butterflies and Biodiversity, Public Utilities/Keep Henrico Beautiful
  • Studio at the Springs, Recreation & Parks
  • Canoeing with the Community, Recreation & Parks
  • Henrico United, Recreation & Parks
  • Glen Lea Telehealth Clinic, Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS)
  • Becoming Kings, HCPS
  • Próximos Pasos (Next Steps), HCPS
  • Black History Month Poetry Slam, HCPS
  • Educational Excursion: Aviation Day, HCPS
  • Building Tomorrow’s Teacher Pipeline, HCPS
  • Generative AI Initiative: Preparing for a New Digital Age, HCPS
  • Microcredential Program, HCPS
  • Student Government Day Program, HCPS
  • Teacher Licensure Cohort Program, HCPS
  • Expanded ESL Summer Academy, HCPS
  • Combating Absenteeism before It Starts: McKinney-Vento Team Summer Cookouts, HCPS
  • Language Instruction Education Program Microcredential Courses, HCPS
  • Teacher Fellow, HCPS
  • Preparing Life-Ready Students in Elementary School, HCPS
  • Students Build Race Car at Richmond Raceway, HCPS
  • Winter Wonderland, HCPS
  • Trade Skills Applied to Memorialize Veterans and First Responders, HCPS
  • Re-envisioning Hallways, HCPS
  • Behavioral Health Interpreter Training Program, HCPS
  • Sparking Interest into Fire Prevention Careers, HCPS
  • PreSchool Sign, HCPS

Effective Onboarding – A Genuine Team Effort!

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Happy August! We are in the dog days of summer but that’s not stopping us from welcoming dynamic new talent to our County of Henrico family. We’re thrilled to be working with departments on successful onboarding and look forward to keeping the momentum going in FY25!

Once hired, successful onboarding is key to making new employees feel welcome and prepared. It is an important part of the hiring process and lays a foundation for long-term success. It can improve productivity, build loyalty and engagement, and help employees become successful early in their careers. A partnership between Human Resources, the hiring team, and other members of the department is essential during onboarding.

Onboarding is the comprehensive process of integrating new employees into an organization, which involves management and other employees, and can span one or two days of activities or in some cases, months. It includes the orientation process and opportunities for new hires to learn about the organization’s structure, culture, vision, mission and values. (SHRM)

The infographic below offers a basic framework to help departments smoothly integrate new hires into the team. (Click on the image to open a PDF)

While there are some logistical requirements specific to Henrico County, employee onboarding truly is a team effort. Hiring managers are responsible for the administrative tasks, but it takes the whole team to make new employees feel welcome, and we encourage departments to be creative with onboarding experiences.

Some thoughtful ideas, which exemplify “The Henrico Way” of leading with heart, thinking outside the box, and leadership at all levels, are noted below.

 

  • Decorate their workspace
  • Place flowers on their desk
  • Assign a mentor or buddy
  • Arrange introductions and a tour
  • Organize a team breakfast or lunch

 

We hope this information will provide context and serve as a valuable resource. A successful onboarding process is truly a team effort. From handling the essential paperwork to setting up their workspace, equipping them with the right tools, and introducing them to the department, every step contributes to making a new employee feel welcome and prepared.

 

Our personalized approach lays the foundation for creating lasting impressions on new employees, fostering a great workplace environment in Henrico County.

Five Best Practices for Encouraging Kids to Save

Posted on by Christy Nealey

How can you help your children become responsible savers? It’s an important question. As with so many good habits, the earlier we start cultivating good saving behaviors, the easier it can be to maintain them throughout our lives. Here are five suggestions for ways to put your kids on the right track for a lifetime of disciplined saving:

Talk about money — You’ve learned a lot about money over the course of your own financial journey. Give your children the benefit of your experience. Teach them the lessons you’ve learned about saving, budgeting, and spending.

  • Let them earn on their own — The old-fashioned weekly allowance is a great way to show the connection between work and income. It can also build good work habits and help kids clarify their spending priorities.
  • Open a savings account with them — Opening a savings account for your child can teach them about the power of accumulating interest and cultivate solid account management behaviors as they monitor their account balance.
  • Set savings goals — Saving can be easier when it has a purpose. Setting a savings goal can help children learn to avoid impulsive purchases and acquire the fiscal discipline that will be a big help as they look to future financial priorities like tuition, housing, and transportation.
  • Lead by example — When your children see you following the same good habits you encourage in them, they’re more likely to internalize those lessons and act on them. Don’t forget to practice what you preach. Give your children the gift of a solid head start on saving for the future. Encourage them to follow the savings behaviors that can help them lead a more financially stable life.

 

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Let’s Beat the Heat: Prevent, Spot, and Combat Heat Illness

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Summer is here, and with sunshine, shorts, and beach days, also comes the heat. While the warm weather can be enjoyable, under certain conditions and temperatures, it can also be a hazard.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says, “Extreme summer heat is already increasing [this year] in the U.S. and climate projections indicate that extreme heat events will become more frequent and intense in coming decades.” 1

Here in the County, many employees spend vast amounts of time outdoors, from construction workers to officers to park employees and many more. When you pair that with the idea that Virginia is predicted to have above-average temperatures throughout the summer, it’s important to take the weather conditions seriously and spread awareness on how to prevent and combat heat-related incidents.

Signs of Heat Illness

Heat illness refers to “a serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat load”2 such as hot weather. There are two prominent kinds of heat illnesses: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Through talking with Craig Collins and Joseph DeJesus of Emergency Management and Workplace Safety, and Captain Christian Kidd of the Division of Fire, it’s safe to say that the biggest piece of advice when dealing with high heat is to KNOW THE SYMPTOMS!

Heat exhaustion is a less severe form of heat illness and left unchecked could lead to heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, tiredness, dizziness, cold, clammy, or pale skin, as well as a weak pulse and muscle cramps.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is life-threatening. If you see or experience the following big red flag symptoms, emergency action should be taken, and 9-1-1 should be contacted immediately: unconsciousness, slurring of words, confusion, fast pulse, and, very importantly, dry skin when you should be sweating. Collins says, “The minute you start getting dizzy, that’s a red flag.” Other symptoms include nausea, tiredness, dizziness, and a high core body temperature.

Passive Cooling If You’re Experiencing Symptoms

For most of the symptoms above, you should use a technique called passive cooling. This involves taking gradual steps to cool off as opposed to cooling off instantly.

  • Instead of chugging water, sip it (the water should be room temperature, not extremely cold, according to Captain Kidd).
  • Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
  • Remove layers of clothing.
  • Put wet or cool cloths on heavily circulated areas, like the back of the neck or under the armpits.
  • Remove shoes or boots (According to DeJesus, this is an overlooked technique but really works as your feet store a lot of heat).

Prevention

Know your body. All of our bodies adjust to the heat differently, and everyone’s tolerance is not going to be the same. It’s essential to understand how much of a shift being in the heat might affect you personally. For example, if you’re someone who is used to being in the AC, your body might not be able to tolerate the heat as much as a peer or co-worker who is outside all the time or you just might not be able to handle the heat as much as you used to, which is okay. Being honest with yourself and knowing when you’re pushing your limit or approaching it is the key to surviving the heat.

Constant communication is another key component. While we might not have the same heat tolerance as everyone, we exemplify common symptoms when heat illnesses arise. DeJesus recommends using the buddy system in order to recognize and communicate symptoms for yourself and others. It’s like checking up on one another. Additionally, when dealing with extreme heat, don’t be afraid to let your supervisor know you’re not feeling well and need a moment to cool off.

Drink plenty of water. While Henrico doesn’t require employees to consume a certain amount of water when it’s hot, it is highly recommended by OSHA to drink one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes spent in the heat. Captain Kidd suggests drinking “at least two liters” a day regularly. If you are drinking sports drinks, make sure you’re balancing your electrolytes and water with a half-and-half ratio.

Help From Supervisors

One helpful tip for supervisors is to get a good understanding of the heat index and plan any outdoor work according to it. High humidity can make the actual temperature feel way higher than it is. Essentially, the heat index gives warning and danger levels according to the overall feel outside. There are many mobile apps, like the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool, that will conveniently show you the heat index.

Additionally, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Virginia Occupational Safety & Health (VOSH) require employers to provide water, so employees can stay hydrated throughout the day.

Although anyone can get heat illness, certain groups are more prone to its effects. The two groups at the highest risk are the elderly and children. Athletes, sports spectators, construction workers, and those out on the water, like boaters, are also high risk. Finally, alcohol consumption increases the risk of heat illness, too.

So, whether you’re on the job, at the beach, or at your kid’s soccer game, enjoy the weather but know the symptoms, stay hydrated, and Let’s Beat the Heat!

 

 

1 https://www.hhs.gov/climate-change-health-equity-environmental-justice/climate-change-health-equity/climate-health-outlook/extreme-heat/index.html#:~:text=Extreme%20summer%20heat%20is%20already,2022%2C%20and%202%2C302%20in%202023

2 https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-006/whatis.htm#:~:text=%22Heat%20Illness%22%20means%20a%20serious,see%20T8%20CCR%20Section%203395).

Henrico is Going .Gov! Here’s what you need to know…

Posted on by Christy Nealey

As of July 1, you will notice a change in Henrico County’s website. The Department of Information Technology (IT) has transitioned the website over to https://henrico.gov/. This change will help easily identify the County’s domain as a top-level government entity and is only available to U.S.-based government organizations. Having a ‘.gov’ domain will help the public identify official, trusted information and build confidence in knowing the content on the web is authentic government information.

So, what does that mean for you as a County employee?

First and foremost, this means that your county email address will now be sent from and received at @henrico.gov. Rest assured, this is a transition that County IT has already taken care of, and you should experience a seamless shift. However, it’s important to note this change and update any mailing lists and subscriptions that are using your old county email address.

Additionally, start taking note of what needs to be updated within your department with the new domain. This could include things such as:

  • Business Cards
  • Letterhead
  • Flyers/Brochures
  • Voicemails
  • Email Signatures

These are just a couple of items. Check out this full downloadable checklist or view it at the end of this article!

Lastly, we want you to know that the legacy domain name will continue to function, and a redirect will be in place for all requests both web and email to the new ‘.gov’ address. So, if you accidentally type in the old domain, IT has you covered and will take you to the new site.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be certain instances where you will still need to use your ‘@henrico.gov’ email to log into an application successfully. The login screen below would be the place to use this login:

 

Welcome to the world of https://henrico.gov!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you.

Celebrate Where You Belong with Recreation and Parks

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Did you know that July is Parks and Recreation Month?! (Well, now you do!) The 2024 theme is “Where You Belong,” — celebrating the many ways park and recreation professionals foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

You can celebrate with us this month in many ways, from attending events and watching movies to visiting our programs or parks.

Kicking off the month, we’re hosting our Red, White, and Lights Independence Day celebration at Crump Park on July 4 from 4 to 10 p.m. The free event will include live music, food trucks, and a kids’ zone. The Richmond Symphony is headlining with a laser light show finale set to music. Please note: there will not be any fireworks, but there will be plenty of family fun!

We are opening Taylor Farm Park sometime in the middle of July. The park is located off Williamsburg Road in the Sandston area (behind the Chickahominy YMCA). The land is just over 99 acres and will be the first new large community park in Varina since Dorey Park opened in 1982.

overhead view of playground at Taylor Park, Henrico, Virginia
overhead view of playground at Taylor Park, Henrico, Virginia

The park features a destination skatepark, event area, large playground, splash area, pump track, bike skills course, mile asphalt trail loop, memorial for fallen heroes, and monuments for each service branch and first responders. (This place is SO dreamy!) A grand opening announcement will be coming out very soon, so we encourage you to follow us on social media to stay in the know!

Last but definitely not least, have you visited our hidden gem — The Henrico Theatre?! (It’s cheaper than the Dollar Store!) Tickets and concessions are only $1 each, so make us your first stop for second-run movies. The July movie lineup is pretty exciting; even Santa Claus is coming to town for Christmas in July. You can catch Jingle All the Way at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. and Scrooged at 7 p.m. on July 25. (Santa will be around for pictures, and we’ll have a themed giveaway item!)

 

We’re also proud to partner with Henrico Christmas Mother (HCM) to Stock the Warehouse! HCM is a non-profit organization that provides each program recipient with a shopping experience characterized by choice and dignity. During the holiday season, they provide food, new clothing, books, toys, and other gift items to qualifying Henrico County families with children, seniors aged 65 and older, and disabled adults.

 

We’ll be collecting the following items at the Christmas in July movies:

  • Diapers
  • Diaper wipes
  • Full-size toothbrushes
  • Full-size toothpaste
  • Socks (all sizes)
  • NEW Books
  • Adult puzzle books
  • Board books for children 0-2
  • Middle/high school level books about sports

     

 

We could spend all day telling you about our amenities and activities, but we tried to keep it brief. Come out, explore, and find where you belong. We hope to see you somewhere!

Inclusivity in Focus: Commemorating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Coming out for people who are LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, nonbinary, and other gender and sexually expansive identities) can bring relief and joy as they continue to learn who they are and find support within the LGBTQ+ community. While being part of the LGBTQ+ community can be a source of strength, it also can present challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk for mental health conditions, especially anxiety and depression.* That’s why it’s important to be aware of these challenges and learn what you can do to help.

How to support the LGBTQ+ community

Supporting LGBTQ+ family members, friends, and co-workers is vital to helping them feel comfortable and accepted for who they are, which also bolsters their mental health. Being an ally also helps others grow in understanding and knowledge. Here’s what you can do:

Create an atmosphere of acceptance

  • Be open and approachable, and consistently show you are supportive of LGBTQ+ concerns.
  • Be sensitive and respectful to all gender orientations and sexualities. Don’t assume that all people are heterosexual and/or cisgender, meaning their gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.
  • Use inclusive language and correct pronouns.

Listen and be willing to engage in conversation

  • Offer empathy and support by validating concerns, experiences, and feelings.
  • Spend time with your LGBTQ+ family members, friends, or co-workers. Be present and aware.
  • Ask how you can be supportive yet be sensitive about the type of questions you ask.

Speak up in a caring way

  • Always show respect through your words and actions.
  • Say something if someone makes an insensitive comment or joke. Silence can be viewed as acceptance.
  • Normalize that there are a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Expand your knowledge

  • Seek out information and resources to grow your understanding. Three good sources are the Gay-Straight Alliance Network at org, It Gets Better at itgetsbetter.org, and The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org.

 

Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers resources and support* too:

  • Online resources: Go to anthem.com/eap to log in. You’ll find helpful videos, podcasts, and articles.•
  • Professional counseling: Connect with a licensed professional for confidential online or in-person sessions by going to the EAP website.
  • For 24/7 emergency help, call 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Acknowledging the profound importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ employees underscores the need for ongoing, substantive efforts to uphold this commitment. By embracing such strategies, we cultivate an inclusive and respectful workplace culture and reaffirm our dedication to creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Participate in Pride Month in Henrico County 2024

As we celebrate Pride Month and reassert our dedication to fostering inclusivity within our workplace, we are excited to spotlight the diverse range of initiatives across the county to champion equality and support our LGBTQ+ employees. From engaging community events to enlightening discussions, there’s something for everyone to participate in:

Love is Love at Belmont (4 pm, All ages): Join us in commemorating LGBTQ+ Pride month with a delightful assortment of activities. From arts & crafts to games and access to the community game room, there’s fun for all! Visit page 7 of the Summer Program Guide to find more information about this event.

Victorian Flower Language and the LGBTQ+ Community at The Parsons Center (2 pm, All ages): Explore the intriguing history of courting and dating in the Victorian Era, where flowers were used to convey romantic intentions. Discover how the LGBTQ+ community of that time adapted these floral exchanges to express their own romantic interests. Visit page 7 of the Summer Program Guide to find more information about this event.

Hands-On History: LGBTQIA+ Virginia: Delve into the rich history of LGBTQIA+ life in Virginia from 1970-2003 with University of Richmond Professor Dr. Pippa Holloway. Following the lecture, unleash your creativity with a hands-on craft session, crafting Pride pins to take home. Visit the HCPL events calendar to find more information about this event.

Libbie Mill LGBTQIA+ Book Discussion: Join in on a thought-provoking discussion of “True Biz” by Sara Nović, centered around students and faculty at the River Valley School for the Deaf as they navigate personal and political crises, celebrating language, Deaf community, and human connection. Visit the HCPL events calendar to find more information about this event.

We encourage you to maintain your engagement, involvement, and activity by taking the opportunity to explore the rich resources available on Henrico County’s Multicultural Community Engagement website and dedicated LGBTQIA+ page. Your continued presence and participation not only contribute to the ongoing celebration of inclusivity and diversity but also serve as a testament to our collective commitment to creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Sources:
U.S. Census Bureau: LGBT Adults Report Anxiety, Depression at All Ages (December 14, 2022): census.gov.
American Psychiatry Association: Five Ways To Support LGBTQ+ Mental Health (June 26, 2023): psychiatry.org.
The Trevor Project: Friends & Family Support Systems for LGBTQ Youth (August 20, 2021): thetrevorproject.org.
EAP products are offered by Anthem Life Insurance Company. In New York, Anthem EAP products are offered by Anthem Life & Disability Insurance Company. In California, Anthem EAP products are offered by Blue Cross of California using the trade name Anthem Blue Cross. ANTHEM is a registered trademark. Use of the Anthem EAP website constitutes your agreement with our Terms of Use.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Colorado: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc. In Connecticut: Anthem Health Plans, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. In Georgia: Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. and Community Care Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Maine: Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area): RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. In Nevada: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. In New Hampshire: Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. HMO plans are administered by Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. and underwritten by Matthew Thornton Health Plan, Inc. In 17 southeastern counties of New York: Anthem HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Anthem HealthChoice HMO, Inc. In these same counties Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP is the trade name of Anthem HP, LLC. In Ohio: Community Insurance Company. In Virginia: Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. trades as Anthem HealthKeepers providing HMO coverage, and their service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWI) underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out-of-network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) or Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Corporation (WCIC). Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

Adventure Begins at Your Library

Posted on by Christy Nealey

Whether your summer adventures take you inside or out, be sure to make lots of room for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Adventure Begins at your Library, with Henrico County Public Library. This year, we’ve made it super easy to focus on the things that really matter: Books, reading, and library fun! Visit our website HCPL – Summer Reading (henricolibrary.org) for information about how to sign up via Beanstack starting June 1. 

All locations will have lots of programs for all ages to keep the fun going all summer. By reading books and attending these activities, you can earn points to win cool prizes, as well as opportunities to earn entries for our grand prizes. Visit your local library branch for even more adventures and ways to win. You can also follow along with us on social media to participate in our Where’s the Sloth challenge and watch Scooter the Sloth, our Summer Reading mascot, have adventures throughout the county. We look forward to seeing you at the library this summer! This program is made possible by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library and all of our readers.