Community Today. Community Tomorrow.

Bon Secours’ commitment to the Richmond community is unwavering. In January of 2023, we introduced our Community Today, Community Tomorrow: Pathway to Wellness in the East End initiative, which is a three-year plan developed using data gathered from the East End community, for the East End community.

We are now more than halfway through our implementation of this three-year plan and we have made great strides on the four key components of this plan including increasing access to medical services, focusing on wellness and prevention, growing our partnerships with the East End community, and recruiting and training physicians and associates. We have seen that when we come together, we can meet the challenge of improving the health and well-being of the East End community, and we appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

As we enter year three of the implementation of the Pathway to Wellness in the East End initiative, we will continue posting updates by the 15th of the month following the end of each quarter (April 15th, July 15th, October 15th, January 15th) on this dedicated webpage.

Richmond Community Hospital

Click here to view the Community Today, Community Tomorrow: Pathway to Wellness in the East End plan

Access to Medical Services

New CT Suite Completed at Richmond Community Hospital

In May 2025, Bon Secours completed installation of a new 64 slice CT scanner and accompanying $1.8 million suite at Richmond Community Hospital. Developed in partnership with GE Healthcare and Woolfolk Construction, this project is part of our Community Today, Community Tomorrow: Pathway to Wellness in the East End initiative. The upgraded technology enhances diagnostic capabilities and improves the patient experience, ensuring residents in the East End community have access to advanced imaging close to home.

Wellness and Prevention

East End Block Party Celebrates Health & Well-Being

Approximately 200 community members joined Bon Secours at the Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living for our first ever East End Block Party! While the event featured free food, music, line dancing, art, and a kids’ zone, the true focus was on educating and empowering residents to lean into their mental health and overall well-being. Health care professionals from Richmond Community Hospital and beyond shared on topics such as diabetes management, mental health, and Bon Secours’ Violence Response Team, plus much more.

RVA HealthCorps Community Health Workers Join Team

Bon Secours proudly welcomed two new Community Health Workers throughRVA HealthCorps this quarter!

• Omega Boone, a Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW), brings energy, professionalism, and a passion for improving health outcomes in our community.
• Karmia Ali brings a strong background in community engagement and is already making an impact.

Both are essential additions to our neighborhood engagement efforts.

Richmond Community Hospital Earns 2025 Practice Greenhealth Award

For the fifth time, Richmond Community Hospital received the Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award. This national recognition honors hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance in environmental sustainability across a range of categories, from waste reduction to energy efficiency.

Community Partnerships

Produce RX Launches at Sarah Garland Jones Center

From April 2025 through February 2026, Bon Secours is offering a comprehensive and free wellness initiative called Produce RX at the Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living. The program includes cooking classes, heart-healthy meals, fitness sessions, and nutrition workshops. Participants also receive fresh produce bags and vouchers to the Market @ 25th and Shalom Farms. Community Health Workers provide individualized support to help address additional needs such as transportation, housing, and access to care. This initiative aims to reduce chronic disease in the East End by fostering healthier lifestyles, stronger community connections, and greater food and nutrition confidence.

Clergy Luncheon Builds Bridges Between Hospital and Faith Leaders On April 22, Bon Secours’ Spiritual Health team hosted a Clergy Luncheon to deepen partnerships with East End churches that serve patients at Richmond Community Hospital. The event included presentations on hospital services, spiritual health initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and advance care planning. Eight churches were represented, including Holy Rosary Catholic, Shiloh Baptist, and The St. Paul Baptist Church, reflecting a strong, ecumenical commitment to community wellness.

Boston Scientific Partnership Expands Access to Cardiac Care

Through a new partnership with Boston Scientific, Bon Secours Cardiology at Richmond Community Hospital has provided transportation vouchers to nearly 30 patients since the start of 2025. This initiative, part of Boston Scientific’s Close the Gap program, aims to reduce barriers to care, foster trust, and improve outcomes for community members living with heart disease.

Richmond Artist Hamilton Glass Street Mural Unveiled As a feature of the May 2025 East End Block Party, Richmond artist Hamilton Glass officially completed a series of vibrant murals across intersections surrounding Richmond Community Hospital. The installations at Nine Mile Road and 27th Street, and U Street and 28th Street, visually connect key parts of the hospital campus. The project was shaped by input from community members, patients, and staff, and culminated in a collaborative “Make Your Mark” event during the celebration.

Training and Recruitment

Office of Community Wealth Building – Healthcare Career Development Series At the end of June, Richmond Community Hospital hosted participants from the City of Richmond’s S.O.L.V.E. Academy as part of our continued partnership with the Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB). The five-day career exploration series offered immersive experiences in health care career pathways, skills training, and job readiness. Highlights included: Industry-led panels featuring professionals from pharmacy services, imaging, behavioral health, and administration Workplace readiness sessions, resume workshops, and mock interviews A hiring event with top regional employers Program Outcomes: 7 career paths explored 13 employer and training speakers 9 graduates 25 interviews conducted 5 job offers extended 3 confirmed job placements, with more expected This program continues to serve as a valuable workforce development pipeline for East End residents.

Cristo Rey Partnership Marks Second Year Richmond Community Hospital completed its second year partnering with Cristo Rey Richmond High School, hosting four students for hands-on work experience throughout the 2024–2025 school year. The program supports the school’s mission of preparing students from limited economic means for lives of faith, purpose, and service.

Anna Julia Cooper

Bon Secours is proud to partner with Anna Julia Cooper School to offer summer internships to alumni now in high school. Two students began their internships at Richmond Community Hospital in June, gaining exposure to a variety of career paths in healthcare.

AmeriCorps Alum Joins Full-Time Hospital Staff as Bon Secours Healthy Communities Coordinator

Sonya Giles, a recent RVA HealthCorps/AmeriCorps member, has transitioned into a full-time role as Healthy Communities Coordinator at the Sarah Garland Jones Center. During her service year, Sonya earned her Certified Community Health Worker credential and supported outreach, resource navigation, and equity initiatives. Her journey is a powerful example of how Bon Secours and RVA HealthCorps cultivate career pathways for emerging community health leaders. We’re proud to have her continue serving Richmond communities in this expanded role.