Henrico received the most NACo awards of any Virginia county for the 20th consecutive year. A total of 48 NACo Achievement Awards were won by our general government agencies and Henrico County Public Schools. HCPS won a total of 22 NACo awards, bringing the all-around total for General Government and schools, including VACo to 52 achievement awards won.
Pedestrian Safety & Outreach
Department of Public Relations
Henrico County has put a heavy emphasis on pedestrian safety education and outreach throughout 2024 and into 2025. Using a multi-faceted approach, they’ve worked to reach as many residents as possible with information for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians on how to keep everyone safe on the roads.
Alert Me QR Code
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
The Alert Me initiative expands the Marcus Alert system by allowing individuals with developmental disabilities to self-identify needs through a QR code and database. This ensures first responders have critical information in a crisis. The program promotes self-advocacy and builds a safer, more inclusive community.
Bridging Divisions
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
The Spectrum Support Team combines developmental services and youth mental health staff to support youth with dual diagnoses. The team provides intensive case management to reduce hospitalizations and emergency reliance. It improves care coordination and outcomes for vulnerable youth.
Expediting Court Evaluations
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico partnered with courts and the Sheriff’s Office to fast-track competency evaluations for inmates in crisis. The process reduces delays by improving communication and prioritizing urgent cases. Evaluations are now completed an average of 20 days faster, ensuring quicker access to treatment.
Mobile Re-entry Program
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico and the Sheriff’s Office created a mobile re-entry program linking inmates in medication-assisted treatment with community services. Staff transport participants directly from jail to treatment and sober housing. Early results show strong engagement, with 75% retention after 90 days.
Hydration Station
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Hermitage Enterprises launched Hydration Stations in 2024 to encourage safe water intake for individuals with developmental disabilities. Flavored and electrolyte drinks boosted participation and health outcomes. The program improved hydration, energy levels, and social engagement.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services (HAMHDS) was the first Community Services Board (CSB) in the region to offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy services in a community mental health setting. PCIT is designed to strengthen parent-child relationships through live coaching and is available in English, Spanish, or Lebanese Arabic.
Pregnant & Parenting Women’s Services
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
This program offers case management and peer recovery support for mothers with substance use disorders. It focuses on treatment access, abstinence, family reunification, and housing readiness. To date, 30 mothers and their children have received services.
Recruitment & Retention
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
HAMHDS streamlined its hiring process with County HR to fill vacancies faster. The new process boosted staff morale, strengthened workforce retention and service quality.
Regional Recovery Day 2024
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico partnered with three neighboring localities to host the first Regional Recovery Day. The event drew over 700 participants and provided education and resources on substance use treatment.
RHHD Partnership
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
HAMHDS partnered with Richmond Henrico Health District to expand SUD treatment in high-overdose areas. Mobile clinics provide MAT, harm reduction, and health services. Outreach efforts include Naloxone training and door-to-door education.
St. Luke CONNECT Summer Pilot Program
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
HAMHDS piloted a summer enrichment program for children at St. Luke’s Apartments, a high-need community. Youth learned problem-solving, conflict resolution, and substance refusal skills. The program also offered enrichment and recreation to broaden experiences.
Special Interest Clubs for Individuals with Disabilities
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Hermitage Enterprises introduced rotating special interest clubs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Clubs increased engagement by allowing participants to choose hobbies, build friendships, and explore new skills.
Transforming Today’s Office into the Workplace of Tomorrow
Henrico Economic Development Authority
To address high office vacancies, Henrico formed the Henrico Office Task Force. The group developed “Henrico Tomorrow,” a program to modernize offices and attract new uses. Ongoing efforts ensure strategies stay aligned with market needs.
Cheer & Gear
Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority
Cheer & Gear Weekend combined sports, charity, and public safety engagement. Events included a donation drive, a first responders’ basketball game, and a women’s college matchup. The program fostered community spirit while supporting underserved youth.
2024 Regional Government Expo
Department of Finance (Purchasing Division)
Henrico hosted the 2024 Regional Government Purchasing Expo with Chesterfield, Richmond, and Hanover to connect SWaM businesses with local government. The event provided education on procurement practices and networking opportunities to support small and diverse businesses.
Countywide Bike Plan
Department of Public Works
The Henrico Bike Plan expands bike lanes, shared-use paths, and connections under the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. It aims to close network gaps, enhance safety, and encourage cycling for commuting and recreation. The plan supports healthier lifestyles, sustainability, and better mobility options.
Quick Build Projects
Department of Public Works
Henrico Public Works created “quick-build” projects to speed up smaller road safety improvements. This program bypasses lengthy approval processes to install sidewalks, roundabouts, and drainage fixes. The result is faster, more responsive upgrades that improve safety and resident satisfaction.
Hermitage Enterprises
Henrico Recreation & Parks
Recreation & Parks partnered with Hermitage Enterprises to employ individuals with developmental disabilities in janitorial roles. Workers receive training, uniforms, gain skills, and respect as team members.
Juvenile Detention Outreach
Henrico Recreation & Parks
Recreation & Parks expanded programming for detained youth beyond education and health services. This art-based programming help youth build social skills, manage stress, and express themselves.
Make it Monday
Henrico Recreation & Parks
Make it Monday offers monthly, low-cost activities using leftover supplies. The program quickly became popular, drawing residents and group homes from Henrico and beyond.
Science Sleuths
Henrico Recreation & Parks
Science Sleuths introduces youth to STEM through demonstrations and hands-on experiments. The program supports STEM Learning and inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and continued exploration at home.
Veterans Brunch
Henrico Recreation & Parks
Recreation & Parks hosts a brunch honoring veterans in partnership with local service providers. Providing a space for attendees to share stories and receive valuable resources.
Land Lovers Series
Henrico County Public Libraries
The Land Lovers Series educates residents about environmental stewardship and supports the Land Lover Award. Free workshops cover local ecosystems, water, and soil management.
Native Plant Garden
Henrico County Public Libraries
The Glen Allen Library created a native plant garden with the HEART Youth Council and other partners. Youth volunteers helped install the first plantings in 2024.
The garden provides hands-on learning for children and year-round beauty.
Portraits of Immigrant Voices
Henrico County Public Libraries
The library partnered with the Asian American Society of Central Virginia to host a panel on immigrant experiences. Stories of courage, resilience, and challenges were shared. The program gave a platform to immigrant voices to deepen community understanding.