Reggie is the incoming Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Richmond Memorial Health Foundation (RMHF) where he is currently serving as Vice Chair.  RMHF works to address the social, economic and cultural conditions that contribute to poor health outcomes.

"I want to recognize Reggie's leadership on our Board. He brings wisdom, a deep sense of integrity, and   a rich understanding of our work to his service on the Board," said Mark Constantine, President & CEO, RMHF. VRA Executive Director Stephanie Hamlett added, “These are the same attributes he brings to his role as a VRA Board member.  As Chairman of the Personnel Committee, he understands and appreciates the role of each person and the position they occupy within VRA along with the advocacy role they play in advancing the interests and infrastructure needs of local governments.”

RMHF's work focuses on addressing health equity issues in Central Virginia (with a focus on Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan Counties, and the City of Richmond) and making sure the populations most affected by these issues have a voice in shaping the policies and funding decisions that promote opportunity. Much of RMHF's work involves investments to strengthen communities impacted by racial and ethnic equity issues.

This focus on health equity has led RMHF to look at those societal issues that directly impact access to care and quality of care. These factors include housing, employment and food security issues. Of these issues, housing instability plays a major role in access to health care.

RMHF plays a key role in the community, but this role has taken on a heightened importance in the wake of COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, RMHF pledged support to funds established by collaborative partners to address immediate community needs: the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund initiated by  Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond  and the Family Crisis Fund initiated by Robins Foundation. RMHF also provided a grant to CultureWorks, recognizing the particular impact that COVID-19 is having on the lives and livelihoods of artists, with cancelled events, performances, exhibitions and other economic disruptions.

On top of supporting funds established by partners, RMHF launched three new funding opportunities to assist organizations addressing needs of individuals who may disproportionately be affected by the pandemic:

• Senior citizens
• Individuals who struggle with behavioral health
• Non-English speaking, immigrant and refugee populations

In addition, RMHF has increased its funding to nine long-term health safety net partners. These clinics provide access to essential health care services and are stretched especially thin during this public health crisis.

RMHF is a source of hope and support for residents across the Richmond region. VRA wants to applaud Reggie for his dedication and service to an organization that provides resources to others on the front lines, addressing the critical needs of the region's most vulnerable.