Free web-based regional directory makes it easier for individuals, families, and community partners to locate care. 

The City of Richmond, in partnership with Henrico County and the Richmond Opioid Task Force, today announced the launch of the Central VA Resource Navigator, a free, public, online directory of mental health and substance use services serving Richmond, Henrico, and surrounding surrounding region.

The Resource Navigator was created to close a persistent gap in the region's care system; residents and providers alike often struggle to identify what services exist, where they are located, and which services may meet a person’s needs. The new tool addresses that gap by giving individuals, families, providers, and community partners a single place to quickly search for and connect with local services.

The online directory began as the Richmond and Henrico Regional Resource Guide to Substance Use, Mental, and Behavioral Health in 2023 to help people find support more easily. It's designed for individuals, families, service providers, and referral partners who need clear, up-to-date information. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts received a one-time grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials to support community-led work to reduce overdoses and other harm related to substance use. Resource mapping specialists documented services across the region and created a comprehensive guide to help connect people to care. That initial project was completed in June 2024.

Building on that foundation, the guide has since evolved and expanded into the Central VA Resource Navigator, broadening its reach to include Chesterfield and the surrounding region.

The online directory features:

• Searchable mental health and substance use resource filters that help users' narrow services based on their needs  
• Plain-language descriptions of services
• Information about populations served and other relevant eligibility/access details 
• Information for individuals, families, providers, and referral partners

The goal is to help people understand what services are available and choose what works best for them.

“Our team has invested more than 1,500 hours building relationships with a diverse range community organizations," says City of Richmond’s Resource Mapping Project Coordinator from the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response, Monica Kelley,  who joined the City of Richmond team from a Charlottesville non-profit as a Program Manager a year ago specifically to launch the Central VA Resource Navigator.

“We’ve also partnered with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement on language access for the directory and talked to providers to better understand where gaps still exist. More than a list of resources; we want it to be something people can actually trust and use when they’re looking for help.”

Organizations that join the directory can benefit from increased visibility of their services, strengthened referral pathways across the region, faster and more accurate connections between clients and the right services, and more coordinated, informed care across the region's provider network.

“The launch of this project is one that is very close to me because of my previous tenure with RHHD,” says Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services. “As a long-time health care provider and leader, I know what happens when residents don't get the care they need — often it means the difference between life and death. The Central VA Resource Navigator is one way our city is choosing to care for our residents along their health journey."

Regional neighbors share the same commitment to expanding accessible health resources. “Henrico County is proud to have partnered with the City of Richmond to launch the Central Virginia Resource Navigator," said  Leslie Martin Stephen, Assistant Director of Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services.  "This is another example of our localities collaborating to address substance use and promote recovery throughout the region. This lifesaving guide gives individuals the ability to identify substance use resources and service providers quickly and easily. For those who need help, accessing the Central Virginia Resource Navigator can be a vital, first step to a healthier and happier life."

How to Get Involved 

• Providers can submit their organization's information through the online form to be added to the directory: CLICK HERE  
• Organizations and community members are invited to join the Richmond Opioid Task Force:  CLICK HERE  
• Community members and partners are encouraged to share feedback to help improve the tool: CLICK HERE   
• Everyone is asked to help expand access by sharing the Resource Navigator with partners, clients, and neighbors
• Visit the Central VA Resource Navigator : www.centralvaresourcenavigator.org

For more information about the City of Richmond’s opioid response efforts: CLICK HERE 

The City of Richmond will host a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Ceremonial Stair Climb, and Day of Service Blood Drive at City Hall to honor the lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the service members who served in the years following the attacks. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Staff across the City, including employees who served in the years after 9/11, will gather to commemorate the courage and sacrifice demonstrated that day.  

The City is honored to welcome Sergeant Middleton of the Virginia State Police, one of the first responders on scene at the Pentagon, who will offer reflections during the ceremony. 

To support event operations, Marshall Street will be closed from 9th to 10th Street beginning at 6:30 a.m. on September 11.  

“Twenty‑five years later, the memories of 9/11 remain close to our hearts,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “We remember the lives cut short, the families changed forever, and the first responders and service members who showed a level of courage that continues to move us today. Here in Richmond, we are fortunate to be surrounded by people who choose service, people who show up for others with compassion and strength. To the service members in our community, past and present, thank you. To the lives lost and the servicemembers who answered the call following, we honor you." 

“On September 11, 2001, our country changed forever,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II.  “First responders and service members ran toward danger, climbing more than 100 flights of stairs in the Twin Towers in the hope of saving others. What we’re doing to honor them does not compare to the sacrifice they made. Instead, we are taking time to remember, reflect, and honor their courage and the legacy they left for all who continue to serve communities across the nation. We remain deeply grateful for Richmond’s first responders, whose commitment continues to reflect the highest ideals of service.” 

Purpose of the Event 

The City Hall 9/11 Ceremonial Stair Climb reflects the physical and emotional commitment firefighters made on September 11, 2001. Through the symbolic climb, Richmond honors the victims, first responders, and service members who lost their lives or served in the aftermath. The ceremony also highlights the continued dedication of Richmond’s public safety professionals who serve the community today. 

By giving blood, we honor the spirit of service shown on 9/11 and support neighbors who urgently need lifesaving care. Donating is a meaningful way to reflect, give back, and carry forward the compassion that defined that day. 

Event Schedule: City Hall – Marshall Street Plaza, September 11 

8:05 AM — Press Conference begins 

8:46 AM — Moment of Silence - Moment the first plane struck 2 WTC

9:00 AM — Stair Climb Begins  

10:00 AM — Blood Drive Begins 

Investments to bring new activations, public art, beautification, and placemaking projects to commercial corridors throughout Richmond  

Richmond, VA  — The City of Richmond and Richmond Economic Development Authority (EDA) today announced the selection of  twenty-five projects  to move forward in the inaugural Activation & Beautification CARE (ABC) Grant Program, a pilot initiative designed to bring visible, near-term investments to Richmond's neighborhoods. 

The ABC Grant Program provides funding for projects that activate and beautify designated Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) areas while helping improve the environment for retail, service, and other businesses. 

Selected concepts represent a range of creative approaches to strengthening Richmond's commercial areas. Projects include public art installations and murals, façade and building improvements, landscaping and corridor beautification, creative lighting and parklet enhancements, vacant storefront and property activations, pop-up public spaces, and other public-facing improvements. 

Together, these projects will help transform underutilized spaces, create more inviting commercial environments, increase visibility for neighborhood business districts, encourage foot traffic, and strengthen the identity of Richmond's corridors. 

“Richmond’s neighborhoods are part of what makes our city distinctive, and the best ideas for strengthening them often come from the people who experience these places every day,”  said Mayor Danny Avula. “I’m excited to see these ideas move from concepts to visible improvements across our city.” 

Selected projects represent communities across Richmond’s 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th and 9th City Council districts, bringing activation and beautification investments to commercial areas throughout the city. 

The projects touch corridors and neighborhoods, including Downtown, Jackson Ward, Brookland Park, Fulton, Hull Street, and other designated CARE areas, reflecting a mix of Richmond’s urban core and neighborhood commercial districts, demonstrating the broader potential of targeted placemaking investments. 

The City and EDA are also working with philanthropic and institutional partners to explore opportunities to leverage the ABC Grant Program and expand the resources available to support impactful projects. 

One of these partners, the Robins Foundation, is providing matching support for several projects along the Broad Street corridor, helping community partners advance additional public art, placemaking, landscaping, and public-space improvements beyond what the City’s investment could support alone.  

“A dynamic Richmond community depends on a vibrant downtown—one where people want to gather, visit, work, and spend time,” said Chris Chin, President & CEO of Robins Foundation . “Supporting the ABC Grant program is one way we can put our mission into action by partnering with the City and investing in the nonprofits and small businesses that help bring Broad Street and the Arts District to life. We’re excited to work together to create a more welcoming, engaging downtown for everyone to enjoy.” 

By combining public investment with philanthropic, institutional, private, and community resources, the City aims to extend the pilot's reach and build a stronger model for future commercial corridor activation. 

“Activation and beautification are important economic development tools because even targeted investments can change how people experience a commercial corridor,” said  Angie Rodgers, Executive Director, Richmond Economic Development Authority. These projects will help create more inviting spaces, strengthen connections between businesses and their surrounding communities, and encourage additional investment. Through this pilot, we’re also creating a pathway for community ideas to move from concepts to visible, impactful projects.” 

Selection represents Conditional Concept Approval, not final regulatory approval or disbursement of grant funds. Selected applicants will work with City and EDA staff to navigate applicable regulatory requirements, permitting, public art review, historic review, and other approvals before projects proceed. The City will facilitate Concept Path Meetings to help selected applicants identify the approvals and processes necessary to move from concept to implementation. 

The ABC Grant Program supports projects located within designated CARE areas that beautify and/or activate commercial environments and improve the environment for retail, service, and other businesses. 

A full list of proposed projects and locations can be found here . 

For additional information about Richmond's commercial revitalization initiatives, visit  RichmondEDA.com .  

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy. This is an interactive series that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at the essential services that help keep Richmond running every day.  

The four-week program invites participants to meet the teams who deliver water, wastewater, stormwater and natural gas services across the city. Through facility tours, hands-on demonstrations and presentations from industry professionals, residents will gain a deeper understanding of how DPU provides essential services, protects public health, supports growth and responds to community needs.  

Citizens Academy is designed to be informative, engaging and accessible for residents who want to learn more about their utilities.   

Sessions will be held weekly on Tuesdays throughout October: 

Locations and detailed session information will be shared with registered participants.  

Because the Academy builds week-to-week, participants are requested to attend all sessions to get the full experience. Applications will be reviewed and selected to ensure representation from across Richmond’s City Council districts. Residents from all areas of the city are encouraged to apply.   

Ready to learn how your utilities work?  
Apply for the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy using the link below.  

2026 Fall Citizens Academy Application