DANNY AVULA: The Health Equity Fund is excited to announce $519,276 in new investments... KEYRIS MANZANARES: Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said nine community-based organizations are set to receive money from the citys Health Equity Fund.

DANNY AVULA: These organizations are providing access to health care, to educational resources, to chronic disease and underlying health conditions, food access, maternal child health, mental behavioral health, and so much more.

So many needed services in our community.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: To date, the fund, established in 2021, has invested more than $3.8 million into community-led organizations.

City Council President Cynthia Newbille said the fund was created to address long standing health disparities.

CYNTHIA NEWBILLE: For generations, the majority of Richmond's low-income residents especially in communities of color, have been excluded from the resources we all deserve to protect and promote our physical and emotional health.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: Anthony Clary plans to use the funds to expand his run club, “WeOffTheCouch,” to city schools and recreation centers.

ANTHONY CLARY: At “WeOffTheCouch” were just going to continue to lead with love, because we know that breaks down the barriers to access not only to shoes and running gear, but it breaks down the walls of access to one another.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: Keyris Manzanares, VPM News.