HCTV Programs

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. There is no known cause, and no cure. Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on those diagnosed with the disease and their families. Join HCTV as we hear people living with Alzheimer's, family members, health professionals and advocates tell us how they cope with this progressive illness inÊAlzheimer's Disease: The Longest Goodbye.

Suicide is the 10thÊleading cause of death in the United States. It most often occurs when stressors exceed the coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental healthÊcondition. Join HCTV as we talk to suicide prevention advocates, survivors and Henrico mental health professionals who encourage people to speak up if someone close to them appears distressed. Ask the Question. It can save lives.

Americans are becoming addicted to heroin and opioids at an alarming rate, yet few receive treatment. HCTV sat down with recovering opioid addicts who shared their stories in hopes of helping others seek help. One of the recovering addicts expressed "We're not bad people. We're sick people. When we get well, we get better. Through recovery." Join HCTV as we learn how this addiction knows no boundaries in Fighting the Stigma of Opioid Addiction: Voices of Recovery.

We all enjoy a good meal out, right? In fact, Americans dine out four to five times a week on average. No one plans to contract a foodborne illness as a result, but it happens far more often than is reported. The dedicated food safety team in Henrico's Health Department performs thousands of inspections each year on the county's more than 1,100 foodservice establishments to assess risks and protect the public from potential hazards. Join HCTV and our Environmental Health Specialists as we take you inside the inspection process.

Through its divisions of clinical, environmental, emergency preparedness and epidemiology, the Henrico County Health Department is committed to the public health and well-being of our residents. From providing health care to refugees and expectant mothers, to ensuring proper operations of private wells, county restaurants and hotels, our health department staff is vigilant in their quest for the common good.

The Henrico Medical Reserve Corps is a force of dedicated volunteers who stand ready to support the community in the event of a public health emergency. The need for such an organization became apparent following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the aftermath of that crisis, the MRC was established to provide a way to recruit, train and activate volunteers to respond to disasters, public health emergencies and other community health needs.

Every year in Henrico County more than 30,000 calls are made to the Henrico Area Mental Health Crisis Hotline. Under the emergency services program, this hotline is available for anyone in the county experiencing acute mental stress. Whether callers feel suicidal, are experiencing panic attacks, or are feeling overwhelming depression, the crisis clinicians are there to help. Join HCTV as we hear stories from the professionals who staff this hotline, as well as those who have benefited from the service. If you or someone you love is experiencing significant mental stress and are unable to handle it alone, the crisis line (727-8484) is always there 24 hours a day.

When a medical emergency arises, Henrico County calls on a network of first responders to provide immediate care at the scene. These highly trained individuals are often members of the Division of Fire, but they also can be volunteers with one of the county's three independent rescue squads. Join HCTV as we learn more about the volunteers' professional training, equipment, and what drives them to help others.

Each day, firefighters risk their lives in the protection of residents and their property. For Henrico County, the safety and well-being of public safety officers are a top priority. That’s why the county’s focus on firefighter safety has sharpened as concerns have risen across the country about a link between exposure to fire toxins and cancer.

Therapeutic Recreation in Henrico County provides the opportunity for residents with physical and intellectual disabilities to participate in activities that benefit them socially, emotionally and physically. Join HCTV as we highlight programs including arts and crafts, sports, games, dance and drama offered by Henrico Recreation and Parks. Learn from recreation therapists, coaches, participants and parents as they describe the importance of these activities and how our disabled community benefits from these innovative programs.

Each year hundreds of thousands of seniors are abused, neglected and exploited in the United States. Many elder victims are frail, unable to care for themselves and depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Henrico's Adult Protective Services works with public and private agencies to stop the mistreatment of the county's elderly population. Join HCTV as we highlight the services that help detect, investigate, prosecute and prevent elder abuse cases.

Childhood obesity is considered by many pediatricians to be the No. 1 health risk facing youth in our country. Affecting one in three children, childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels. There are many factors that have contributed to this crisis, ranging from heredity, food choices and activity levels to the way our communities are planned and designed. Making positive changes now can help our children with their own journey to healthy living.

For some people, food choices are a matter of life and death. Allergic reactions to certain foods can arise suddenly, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Join HCTV as we talk to people coping with food allergies, medical professionals and parents of children with the condition in When Food Can Kill You: Living with Food Allergies.

We've all known someone with mental health challenges, whether it be a family member, coworker, friend or have had struggles ourselves. Until recently, "recovery" was seldom uttered in the same sentence with "mental illness," but times are changing. We've come a long way from the mental institutions and sanitariums of a generation ago, but the shackles of stigma still remain. In 2011, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services launched an innovative campaign to combat the stigma of mental illness and granted HCTV full access to the process.