The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are undergoing another big change, as the director, Dr. Danny Avula, has been named by Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin to lead the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Dr. Melissa Viray is now acting director of the Richmond and Henrico health districts.

Dr. Avula’s appointment was announced last Friday, a few weeks after Dr. Avula exited his role as state vaccine coordinator. He had been appointed to that position by former Gov. Ralph S. Northam.

“I’m incredibly excited to serve Virginia in this new capacity with the Department of Social Services,” Dr. Avula stated. “So much of the support that ultimately impacts families’ health and resilience lies within DSS.

“That said, it’s bittersweet to close out my time with Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. It’s been life-giving to see the dedication of my team and all they’ve been able to accomplish. Richmond and Henrico communities are left in capable and caring hands.”

Dr. Viray has served as deputy director of the two health districts since 2017. She has spent the pandemic speaking on health issues during news conferences held by the health districts and the City of Richmond, often filling the role Dr. Avula would’ve taken in those discussions.

She previously served as deputy state epidemiologist for the Hawaii Department of Health, and as an epidemic intelligence service officer and medical epidemiologist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The change in leadership comes as the Richmond and Henrico health districts have altered their approach to COVID-19 detection and prevention. Officials announced Monday that the Richmond Raceway Community Testing Center would shift to a mobile model this week, which officials said would “increase RHHD’s ability to offer COVID-19 tests in a variety of locations and settings.”

The new testing schedule and locations are posted on the health districts’ websites at www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/richmond-and-henrico-area-covid-19-testing-sites/