World AIDS Day takes place December 1 of each year. It is a time when people across the world can take the opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, show support for those living with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
You can read more about World AIDS Day on HIV.gov. Shareable images can be found on the HIV.gov website as well as through Greater Than AIDS.
Show your support this World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon or sharing web resources. Get tested and update your HIV status. Learn about advances in HIV prevention and care. There are many ways to get involved. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has expanded the availability of our in-home HIV testing program during COVID-19 to meet the needs of Virginians. If you are interested in receiving a test kit mailed directly to you, visit the program REDCap page.
Virginia’s Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) program provides new syringes and needles, disposes of used syringes, refers participants to drug treatment and medical care, distributes Naloxone (to reverse overdoses), provides education and counseling, provides testing for HIV, hepatitis and other diseases, and provides referrals to social services and insurance. The program has found previously-identified HIV-positive persons and re-engaged them into medical care. For more information on the Virginia CHR program or to find locations, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/chr/.
For Virginia Medication Assistance Program clients: remember that open enrollment for 2022 has started. Be sure to visit www.myvamap.com and take action before January 15 to make sure you have health coverage for the 2022 year.
The Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline is available to answer questions and provide resources Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. You can reach a counselor at (800) 533-4148.