Health
An employee at the Social Security Office in Richmond was hospitalized after she complained about inhaling the gas fumes that hundreds of residents reported smelling this afternoon. Starting at 2:30 p.m. the Richmond Fire Department received a large number of calls reporting the strong odor in Point Richmond. The wind carried the smell, pushing the odor up to North Richmond, said Richmond Fire Chief Michael Banks. As a precaution, the Richmond Police Department notified several schools to shelter in place….
Janie Holland, community ambassador for Freshest Cargo’s North Richmond stop, attempts to engage every person walking past the parking lot of McGlothen Temple Church of God in Christ. “Come get some fruit,” Holland says. This is her routine every Wednesday. She knows most of the people who have gathered at the food truck selling only fresh fruits and vegetables. She points out the regulars and names a few people whom she expects to show up before the truck leaves. “It’s…
First 5, a program that offers classes for parents and their kids under 5, held a Raising a Reader class Saturday morning in its satellite center in Richmond. The center served over 1,700 families last year, predominantly Latinos. The director hopes that more African American and Asian families will participate in the class.
Richmond resident Sylvia Gray-White is one of many residents worried about health concerns following last year’s Chevron refinery fire, though health experts are unclear about any lasting effects.
Despite the government shutdown, open enrollment for health insurance begins today. About 5 million uninsured people are going to be newly eligible for insurance through Covered California, according to Morgan Westfall, a project coordinator with the Community Clinic Consortium, a group that advocates for nonprofit health clinics in Contra Costa and Solano counties. Another 2.6 million will qualify for subsidies.
A new project aims to usher in a waste management transformation. This month, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Watershed Project, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting East Bay watersheds and ecosystems, a $30,000 grant to educate children and their community about recycling, reusing and composting.
Richmond Main Street Initiative’s free weekly belly dancing class promotes positive body image.
250 volunteers turned out to participate in the 29th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day.
Health-care professionals have partnered with law enforcement officers and community organizations to locate and assist the mentally ill. The newly formed joint team, called the Forensic Multidisciplinary Team, will work together to intervene and provide treatment and refer those in need to services that include food, clothing or temporary housing, said Erika Barrow, an administrative service analyst with Contra Costa Health Services. “We just had our first meeting and we are excited to get it started,” Barrow said, referring to…