Author: DDP PR Coordinator

Jillian’s Personal Story

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My name is Jillian, and I was cured of hepatitis C. Here is my story:

I started using intravenous (IV) drugs, heroin, in the early 2000s. I was in and out of rehab and jail after being arrested multiple times for possession. I would go in and out of rehab and into methadone clinics. Eventually I was successful in my rehab efforts, and I moved back home with my parents. I tested positive for hepatitis C in 2004. Most of my friends from that time also tested positive. I don’t know if they if they got treated – I don’t talk to any of them anymore.

I went through treatment for hepatitis C with interferon combination therapy around 2004. I had to go out on disability from work and was put on Paxil because of the severity of the side effects and depression from treatment. I was lucky enough to have health insurance to cover the costs. I thought about the irony of being an IV drug user and having to give myself injections every week.

I cleared the hepatitis C virus after 8 months of treatment. Treatment was rough, but now there are so little side effects with current hepatitis C treatment. I feel like if more people knew how easy it is now; they’d seek out treatment. Now it’s taking pills for 8-12 weeks with mild side effects and no shots. While people may still have barriers to wanting to get treated, new treatments are a game changer!

Since then, I’ve remained drugfree with no relapses. I’m now the mom of two amazing girls. I’m attending Dartmouth and about to graduate with a master’s degree in public health. I didn’t get here the way I expected, but it feels right!

AMA Releases New Sexual Health Resources

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AMA Community of Practice Office Hours:  Syphilis Test Interpretation and Action

The American Medical Association (AMA) invites clinicians to join the Syphilis Test Interpretation and Action office hours on May 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm ET as part of the Routine Screening Community of Practice for HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis and LTBI. With rates of syphilis rising, routine screening is essential to diagnosis and prevention.

Join Dr. Kimberly Stanford and an expert panel to discuss how to interpret syphilis test results, how to treat patients who test positive, and how to talk to them about STI prevention. Connect with experts in a supportive learning environment.

AMA Releases Routine Screening Toolkit for HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis and Latent TB Infection

Early detection of infectious diseases is critical for the health of our communities. The American Medical Association's Routine Screening Toolkit supports community health centers and emergency departments in integrating routine screening for HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis, and LTBI. Please share this with your community partners to raise awareness about this important resource.

Hepatitis Awareness Month 2026

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Hepatitis Awareness Month is observed each May in the United States.  Hepatitis Testing Day is on May 19.  During the month of May, we work to show the impact the hidden viral hepatitis epidemics have on our communities.  We do this by raising awareness and encouraging testing and vaccination.

Viral Hepatitis Key Facts

    • There are several different viruses that can cause hepatitis.  The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
    • Some hepatitis infections are short-term and clear on their own.  Others can become long-term (chronic) and need ongoing medical care.
    • Chronic hepatitis B and C are leading causes of liver cancer in the U.S.
    • Both hepatitis A and B are preventable through safe and effective vaccines.
    • Hepatitis C can be cured in 8-12 weeks with a safe and effective prescribed treatment.
    • CDC recommends all adults up to age 60 get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.  Those aged 60+ should get vaccinated if they have certain risk factors.  If you are 60+ and do not have risk factors, you may choose to be vaccinated, or not.
    • VDH follows the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for hepatitis B for youth/adolescents. Find out more about hepatitis B recommendations on their website.
    • More than 65% of people who have hepatitis B are unaware of their infection.
    • Around 5,000 new cases of hepatitis C are reported in Virginia each year.
    • At least 40% of people living with hepatitis C don't know they have it.
    • CDC recommends all adults get tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.  CDC also recommends testing for hepatitis B and C during each pregnancy.  Getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B or C.

Help Us End Viral Hepatitis

VDH released Hep Free Virginia, Virginia’s Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, in 2025. This plan is a coordinated effort with the Virginia Hepatitis Coalition and other statewide stakeholders. It outlines goals and objectives to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

In order to realize these goals and objectives, VDH and the Virginia Hepatitis Coalition need your help! You can learn more about the plan and get involved. Explore how you can get involved by contacting Colin Dwyer, Viral Hepatitis Program Coordinator, at colin.dwyer@vdh.virginia.gov, or by joining the Virginia Hepatitis Coalition.

Infographic banner giving statistics and information for hepatitis C.

Got Questions?

Learn more about viral hepatitis by visiting our website.  You can also find locations near you that provide free or low-cost vaccination or testing services by using our directory, Resource Connections.

VDH offers free Hepatitis B testing and vaccines to pregnant women and infants born to women who test positive for Hepatitis B.

If you or a loved one has more questions about viral hepatitis, call our hotline.  Hotline operators are available to help you Monday through Friday.  Call toll-free at (800) 533-4148.

DDP E-Bulletin: April 2026

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Reflecting on a Busy 2026

We’ve been busy in the Division of Disease Prevention (DDP). I wanted to take time to acknowledge some of the important work we’ve been doing recently in collaboration with the community and our partners.

Earlier in 2026 we started with two public meetings, one specific to Ryan White Part B Services and then another specific to our Virginia Integrated HIV Services Plan. Open meetings such as these allow us the opportunity to hear the voices of those whom we serve. We are incredibly grateful for those who spoke up and voiced their opinions, concerns, and feedback.

Training Announcement: Program Sustainability

What would you do if your grant funds were suddenly canceled?

In these uncertain times, planning for the worst-case scenario is often wise. To help address this issue, the HIV and Hepatitis Prevention (HHP) team is offering a full-day training in late May entitled Program Sustainability.

The training will take place on May 21, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia.  It is open to all contractors, including community-based organizations and local health departments.

It is a one-day session and will focus on practical strategies for building a long-term, sustainable program that is not dependent on a single funding source.  Participants will learn ways to diversity financial support, strengthen organization resilience, and plan for future stability.

This session is designed for:

    • executive directors,
    • chief financial officers,
    • board members,
    • grant writers, and
    • staff responsible for sustainability or long-term planning.

Registration is due by April 30, 2026.

 

Hepatitis Awareness Month 2026

Hepatitis Awareness Month is observed each May. Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19, annually. DDP will have a blog about Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day on our homepage and post related social media content on our Facebook page throughout May.

Follow our Facebook and visit our homepage to share our content on your page for the observance(s).

For questions about awareness day resources, please contact Chris Barnett, DDP Public Relations Coordinator, at christopher.barnett@vdh.virginia.gov.

 

NCCC PEPline Now Offers Weekend Hours

The National Clinician Consultation Center (NCCC) has expanded their services to include weekend hours. The PEPline will now be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., not including holidays.

The PEPline number is 844-ASK-NCCC (844-275-6222).

For more information about the NCCC PEPline and the services that they provide, visit the NCCC PEPline website.

 

CHR Overdose Update: Medetomidine

Medetomidine is a very strong veterinary medicine. It is used as a sedative and pain killer for large animals, similar to xylazine but much stronger. The drug is increasingly found in the United States (U.S.) street drug supply mixed with fentanyl. It causes severe sedation, extremely low heart rate and low blood pressure in humans. Often called, "rhino tranq," or “Dex,” it is not approved for human use and is causing severe, long-lasting withdrawal symptoms, requiring urgent hospital care.

Rapid withdrawal from medetomidine can cause severe symptoms, including dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure, uncontrollable vomiting, tremors, and hallucinations, often requiring intensive care stays. As of early 2026, it is rapidly replacing xylazine in the street drug supply, particularly in the northeastern U.S., with up to 87% of drug samples in certain cities containing the sedative.

Medetomidine test strips are available at Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) programs and at some local health departments.

For questions, please contact Bruce Taylor, Drug User Health Coordinator, at bruce.taylor@vdh.virginia.gov.

 

Annual HIV and Hepatitis Summit

The second annual HIV and Hepatitis Prevention Summit took place on March 31 and April 1, 2026, at the Virginia Crossings Conference Center in Richmond, Virginia. The event brought together 83 participants representing cross‑sector HIV prevention and care partners, viral hepatitis stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience. Attendees included:

    • medical providers
    • care linkage staff
    • harm reductionists
    • testing and prevention specialists
    • local health department teams
    • pharmacists

Over the two‑day gathering, participants shared strategies for HIV prevention, care coordination, and hepatitis C elimination; explored new opportunities for collaboration; and highlighted ongoing efforts across the Commonwealth.

 

Viral Hepatitis Elimination Conference

The Viral Hepatitis Elimination Conference was held in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the Great Wolf Lodge, on March 24 and March 25. The purpose of the conference was to meet with cross-sector stakeholders on viral hepatitis to share strategies for elimination, identify opportunities for collaboration, and present on ongoing efforts. The audience was comprised of people with lived experience, medical providers, care linkage professionals, harm reductionists, testing and prevention specialists, local health department providers, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical representatives. There were 70 attendees.

 

Personnel Announcements

We’re Hiring!

DDP is looking for a Medical Monitoring Project Program Coordinator to join HIV and Hepatitis Surveillance. The position closes on May 4, 2026.

Reflecting on a Busy 2026

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Rachel Stallings, MPH, Director, Division of Disease Prevention

We’ve been busy in the Division of Disease Prevention (DDP). I want to take time to acknowledge some of the important work we’ve been doing recently in collaboration with the community and our partners.

Earlier in 2026 we started with two public meetings, one specific to Ryan White Part B services and one specific to our Virginia Integrated HIV Services Plan. Open meetings such as these allow us the opportunity to hear the voices of those whom we serve. We are incredibly grateful to those who spoke up and voiced their opinions, concerns, and feedback.

DDP has had the opportunity to come together with partners and community members through several conferences and meetings this year, including:

These meetings allow us the occasion to gather with our partners, learn from them, and share updates on our efforts. These meetings also allow for the opportunity of training and technical assistance from other experts in the field. Meetings with community members allow the chance for community networking, learning, and sharing.

Much time and effort have gone into our efforts in 2026 thus far, and it has been very rewarding. We are thankful for all the partners, community members, and division staff who have helped our efforts be a success. We will continue our day-to-day work with the vision of VDH protecting and promoting the health of all Virginians.

- Rachel Stallings, MPH, Director, Division of Disease Prevention

STI Awareness Week 2026

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Background

STI Awareness Week, April 12-18, 2026STI Awareness Week (SAW) is the second full week in April each year. This year, it is April 12-18. SAW helps raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It also shows how STIs impact our lives and helps to decrease stigma, fear, and discrimination. We often use SAW to distribute tools and knowledge about STI prevention, testing, and treatment.

STI vs. STD

What’s the difference between “STI” and “STD”? To define the terms, STI is sexually transmitted infection, and STD is sexually transmitted disease. The World Health Organization began to replace the term STD with the term STI in 1999. The reason for this was to reduce stigma, and because not all infections turn into diseases with symptoms. For instance, some infections like chlamydia and HPV are often asymptomatic, making the term “infection,” more accurate. In fact, it is more common for STIs to not show symptoms, which is why regular screening is important.

While health care providers have made the transition to the term STI, the general public still uses STD as an umbrella term. Up to this point, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has still used the term STD in public communications. VDH will be fully transitioning to the term STI over the next few months.

STIs in Virginia

STIs are common in Virginia, with more than 55,000 reported new infections in 2024. On average, about 4,500 STIs were diagnosed each month in Virginia during 2024. Consistent with previous years, certain communities and conditions continued to be vulnerable or problematic. The rate of any STI per 100,000 people was about three times higher among Black or African American Virginians, compared to the statewide rate. The rate of syphilis also increased 145% among women from 2020 to 2024, while the rate among men increased 58%.

All data and reports for STIs, HIV, and viral hepatitis are available on the VDH website.

STI Prevention, Testing, and Treatment

Free or low-cost STI testing is available throughout Virginia. Testing is available at local health departments and community-based organizations. Testing is important since many STIs have no symptoms. Untreated STIs can cause lifelong health problems.

Find STI testing near you by using our locator service, Resource Connections, or the RC.

Learn about common STIs, prevention methods, and treatment options on our STI webpage.

Disease Prevention Hotline

If you or a loved one has questions about HIV, viral hepatitis, or STIs, call our confidential Hotline toll-free. The Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-533-4148. The Hotline operates from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. It is closed for Virginia State Holidays.

DDP E-Bulletin: March 2026

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Decorative Image

STI Awareness Week 2026

There were more than 55 thousand STDs reported in Virginia in 2024
STI Awareness Week (SAW) is April 12-18, 2026. SAW helps raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections. It also helps show how STDs impact our lives and helps to decrease stigma, fear, and discrimination. We often use the occasion to help distribute tools and knowledge about STD prevention, testing, and treatment.

DDP will have a blog posting on our website and social media posts on our Facebook account if you wish to share our messaging.

HIV and Syphilis Updates for Virginia Providers

VDH recently released a clinician letter with HIV and syphilis updates for Virginia providers.

While the total number of new HIV diagnoses in 2024 was lower than 2023, there are increasing trends among youth and Hispanic/Latino populations. These trends should be known by providers, community partners, and health districts to better advise testing, prevention, and care efforts.

VDH updated the Virginia syphilis screening recommendations for reproductive-aged sexually active people (15-44 years).  The guidelines use the 2024 rate of syphilis of all stages among women aged 15-44 to identify counties with “high syphilis rates”

    • In counties where this rate is high – above 4.6 cases/100,000 population – screening for syphilis is recommended for all sexually active people ages 15-44
    • In counties where this rate is below 4.6 cases/100,000 population, providers should continue to assess individual risk factors to determine testing needs as outlined in the CDC Screening Guidelines

Why we made this change:

    • The Virginia syphilis screening guidelines aim to reduce syphilis and congenital syphilis rates. Congenital syphilis cases are at historic highs in Virginia and nationwide. Cases of syphilis among women continue to increase.
    • Congenital syphilis cases can result from maternal infection at any stage of syphilis during pregnancy, not just primary or secondary stages.
    • Prior to this change, the rate was limited to primary and secondary syphilis cases. A majority (79%) of Virginia women are diagnosed in later stages; only 21% were diagnosed in the primary and secondary stages in 2024.
    • Expanding the guidelines to include the rate of all stages of syphilis ensures a more accurate representation of counties with high syphilis rates among

 

Living Beyond Our Status Gathering

The Living Beyond our Status (LBoS) Gathering 2026 will be held April 17-18. The event will be at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond. LBoS is for Virginians 50 years or older and living with HIV, or for Virginians that have been living with HIV for 15+ years. The event will include sessions on health and wellness and skills building events.

Any eligible consumers can register now using the registration button below or clicking on the flyer to the side.

Contact Marquietta Alston at marquietta.alston@vdh.virginia.gov if you have any questions about LBoS.

 

Mind, Body, and Soul Conference

The Mind, Body, and Soul Conference will be April 10-11 at the Embassy Suites in Richmond, VA – the conference is designed to support the total well‑being of participants by addressing physical, mental, and emotional health.

Any eligible consumers can register by using the registration button below or clicking on the flyer to the side.

Contact Olivia Allison at olivia.allison@vdh.virginia.gov if you have any questions about the conference.

11th Annual Virginia Ryan White Case Management Summit

The MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAAETC) local partner site, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), will be partnering with VDH, HIV case managers, and the Ryan White Program to host the 11th Annual Virginia Ryan White Case Management Summit.

The summit will be held, virtually, on Tuesday April 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Note: the date from the e-bulletin email that went out in February has been corrected. The web version was corrected as soon as the error was identified.

The summit is open to all medical and non-medical case managers, HOPWA case managers, service navigators, community health workers, and others providing case management services to Virginians with HIV.

The theme of this year’s summit is Empowering New Pathways: The Work Continues. Session topics will include:

    • HIV/AIDS in 2026
    • Partnering through internships and interprofessional education to support the next generation of the HIV workforce
    • The use of technology in HIV case management
    • Anger, de-escalation, and resiliency in case management
    • Supporting health aging through nutrition
    • Regional breakout sessions
    • And more!

For questions, contact Rob Rodney, Director of the HIV Education Program at VCU, at robert.rodney@vcuhealth.org.

 

HIV/STD Prevention Advertising

DDP is finalizing plans for digital advertisements that will begin in April/May and run for six weeks. These ads will focus on HIV and STD testing, syphilis/congenital syphilis, PrEP, and DoxyPEP. They will be delivered to audiences and geographic areas with higher HIV and STD incidence.

Local health departments and community partners may see an increase in traffic to their programs as a result of this messaging.

For any questions regarding DDP marketing initiatives, please contact Chris Barnett, DDP Public Relations Coordinator, at christopher.barnett@vdh.virginia.gov.

 

Virginia Integrated Services Plan

DDP staff is working on edits to the Virginia Integrated HIV Services Plan.  We are currently in the planning stages of 2027-2031 version of the plan.  The current plan objectives and information can be found on the DDP plan webpage.

A Virginia Integrated Services Plan Town Hall was held on March 4, 2026.  During this meeting staff discussed the current plan, talked about the 2027-2031 plan, and asked consumers and other stakeholders what needs there were around HIV prevention and care in the Commonwealth.  The recording from the town hall can be found online.

VDH staff will hold additional meetings to discuss regional needs as they continue to shape the Virginia Integrated HIV Services Plan 2027-2031.

 

Personnel Announcements

Welcome

HIV Care Services welcomes their new Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B Fiscal Compliance Auditor, Scott MacCrimmon! Scott has a bachelor's degree in finance from Longwood University. He also has a Master of Business and Science from Mississippi State University. Before joining DDP, he worked as a Fiscal Auditor for the Office of Family Health Services. Scott loves traveling, scuba diving, horseback riding, archery, bowling, and working out at the gym. He has 2 great-nieces and loves being the cool uncle! He also has a golden retriever named Molly, who is his "baby girl." Scott is certified in CPR and is a part-time Wellness Coach at the YMCA. Scott can be reached at scott.maccrimmon@vdh.virginia.gov.

Farewell

HIV and Hepatitis Prevention bid a fond farewell to Aieshia Brooks as she prepares to depart for another state agency position. She has served as the contract administrator for Status Neutral Service Navigation (SNSN) with DDP for six years, joining the division after working at DIS at a local health department.

During her time with DDP, Aieshia has led and coordinated several key programs and projects, including leading the RFP process for SNSN, adapting and enhancing the SNSN program to support braided funding, and partnering with community organizations to host Mind, Body, and Soul events. She has also consistently supported colleagues by assisting with editing and developing program manuals.

Aieshia’s last day with VDH was March 24, 2026. We extend our heartfelt thanks for her dedication and contributions, and we wish her great success in her new role.

While her position is being recruited, please contact Adyam Redae at adyam.redae@vdh.virginia.gov with any questions. Any SNSN questions or needs, please contact Olivia Allison at olivia.allison@vdh.virginia.gov.

We're Hiring

The Division of Disease Prevention is hiring for the position of HIV and Hepatitis Surveillance Director. This position oversees the work of the HIV and Hepatitis Surveillance unit which includes:

    • HIV Surveillance core duties,
    • viral hepatitis B and C surveillance and special projects,
    • Medical Monitoring Project,
    • National HIV/AIDS Behavioral Surveillance program,
    • Network Detection and Response, and
    • the HIV Analyst team.

This position works across all DDP work units and collaborates with other Office of Epidemiology teams for program implementation and strategic planning.

Town Hall: Virginia Integrated HIV Prevention & Care Plan

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Background

VDH held a town hall on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6pm ET.

Purpose of the Townhall:
The aim of the March 4th town hall was to briefly explain the background and purpose of the Virginia Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Services Plan to the public, discuss the timeline for the next plan's submission, and to gather public input into the development of the 2027-2031 plan.
 
Next Steps:
Next steps include hosting regional town halls and continuing to develop and submit the 2027-2031 plan in June 2026.

 

Town Hall Recording

Correction: Sentara Martha Jefferson was fully funded for both the FY25 and FY26 grant years. It was incorrectly stated during the Town Hall that they had lost funding.

For More Information

For more information on the Virginia Integrated HIV Prevention & Care Plan, please visit the Virginia Integrated HIV Services Plan webpage.

The current plan, 2022-2026, is available there in its entirety.

 

DDP E-Bulletin: February 2026

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Decorative heart image

New Resource Connections (The RC) Site Launched

The RC LogoThe new site for Resource Connections has launched! With the relaunch we've also rebranded it to call it “The RC” in short. Call it whichever you prefer – we'll know what you mean!

The old site is no longer, but the old URL now automatically redirects to the new. The new URL for The RC is https://therc.vdh.virginia.gov. You’ll find that the new website has a brand-new interface and design. Additionally, the new site uses the Connect 211 functionality like Virginia 211.

VDH staff regularly review and update agency data to ensure accuracy. Most agencies that have an HIV prevention or care funding contract have a requirement in those contracts that they must update their agency’s data in The RC on an annual basis at minimum.

Agencies will not be able to update their own information at this time. It is estimated that this functionality will be restored within the next six months. We will communicate when agency data self-service is restored. A training will also be offered at that time. Until then, any agencies that have outdated information on The RC should request their agency information/data updates to the Disease Prevention Hotline at hiv-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov.

11th Annual Virginia Ryan White Case Management Summit

The MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAAETC) local partner site, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), will be partnering with VDH, HIV case managers, and the Ryan White Program to host the 11th Annual Virginia Ryan White Case Management Summit.

The summit will be held, virtually, on Tuesday April 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. 

The summit is open to all medical and non-medical case managers, HOPWA case managers, service navigators, community health workers, and others providing case management services to Virginians with HIV.

The theme of this year’s summit is Empowering New Pathways: The Work Continues. Session topics will include:

    • HIV/AIDS in 2026
    • Partnering through internships and interprofessional education to support the next generation of the HIV workforce
    • The use of technology in HIV case management
    • Anger, de-escalation, and resiliency in case management
    • Supporting health aging through nutrition
    • Regional breakout sessions
    • And more!

For questions, contact Rob Rodney, Director of the HIV Education Program at VCU, at robert.rodney@vcuhealth.org.

 

VDH Integrated HIV Prevention & Care Town Hall

VDH DDP is holding a virtual VDH Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Town Hall. The discussion will tie direction into the Virginia Integrated HIV Services Plan.

The town hall will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. It is a virtual (online) meeting with a call-in option.

Contact Olivia Allison at olivia.allison@vdh.virginia.gov with questions or for more information.

 

National Women and Girl's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girl’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is on March 10, 2026. This year marks the 20th annual observance of NWGHAAD.

You can help raise awareness of this observance by:

Learn more about NWGHAAD on the WomensHealth.gov NWGHAAD page.

 

National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is coming up March 16th through the 20th. The week calls for healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders to collaborate to address and provide LGBTQ healthcare and health equity.

Visit the healthlgbtq.org website to learn more about the week and find resources and graphics to share on your website or social media.

LGBTQ Equity in HIV Prevention and Treatment Series

The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health offers a multi-module series in collaboration with HealthHIV to strength capacity to provide care to LGBTQ persons.

The module is a FREE self-paced CME accredited program composed of five, 30-minute module addressing strategies to reduce HIV disparities among LGBTQ populations.

The target audience for the modules include:

    • Primary care providers
    • HIV care providers
    • LGBTQ health providers
    • General practitioners
    • Nurses
    • Pharmacists
    • Patients and caregivers

All modules are certified, and participants can earn up to 3.75 credits/contact hours (CME, MOC, AAPA, ANCC, CPE, ASWB, APA) for completion of all program components.

 

Personnel Announcements

We’re Hiring!

DDP is hiring the Director of HIV Care Services.

Please apply or share with anyone who may be interested.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: February 7

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed on February 7 each year. It exists to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on Black and African American communities. It was first observed in 1999 and highlights the importance of decreasing stigma and increasing community involvement. Improving access to HIV education, prevention, testing, and HIV care are focuses of NBHAAD, as well.

Virginia data

As is the case across the U.S., Black and African American communities are more impacted by HIV in Virginia. In 2024, while Black/African American communities made up 19.12% of Virginia’s population, they accounted for 50.2% of new HIV diagnoses and 56% of people with HIV in Virginia that year. The figure below shows the rate of new HIV diagnoses by race and ethnicity per 100,000 persons. Using rates allows for the comparison across different population sizes.

Bar graph from the 2024 HIV Annual Report showing new diagnoses by race and ethnicity

You can find additional HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis data on our website.

Causes

According to KFF, several challenges may contribute to the epidemic among Black people. These include experiences with:

    • Higher rates of poverty
    • Lack of access to health care
    • Higher rates of some sexually transmitted infections
    • Lower awareness of HIV status
    • Stigma and discrimination
    • Combating Stigma

How can you help combat stigma? Talk openly about HIV to help normalize the subject. This helps others learn about HIV and correct myths and misinformation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a stigma language guide that can help with these talks.

We can all help end HIV stigma through our words and actions in everyday life. Be a role model for positive and supportive behavior. Check out some scenarios from CDC to see how you can model positive behavior when you witness HIV stigma.

Access testing and prevention services near you

Free or low-cost HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis testing is available throughout Virginia. VDH funds local health departments, clinics, and community organizations to offer testing services if you do not have a primary care provider. To learn more about testing in Virginia or to find testing near you, visit our testing webpage.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV is available as a pill taken daily, or a shot taken every other month or every six months. PrEP prevents getting HIV through sexual contact about 99% of the time when taken as prescribed. VDH provides funds to locations throughout the Commonwealth to offer HIV PrEP.

Additionally, there are also post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) options to prevent HIV and STDs. PEP for HIV involves taking a course of medications to prevent HIV infection. It is critical that these medications are started within 72 hours of a potential exposure. DoxyPEP involves taking the antibiotic doxycycline after unprotected sex to prevent getting a bacterial STD. DoxyPEP is available at most local health departments.

If you’re interested in PrEP or PEP, visit our PrEP and PEP webpage to learn more or find a PrEP clinic near you. As noted above, nPEP is extremely time-sensitive, so please call your provider or our hotline if you believe you have been exposed to HIV and need PEP. To learn more about DoxyPEP, read our DoxyPEP fact sheet.

VDH’s response

VDH’s Division of Disease Prevention has multiple programs that address HIV prevention and treatment. This includes:

    • Funding, oversight, resources, or support to local health departments, community, and/or clinical organizations for:
    • HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis testing programs
    • Patient linkages and referrals
    • Education and outreach programs
    • Comprehensive harm reduction programs
    • Condom distribution
    • PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP distribution
    • Disease intervention services
    • Data collection and follow-up
    • Community planning groups
    • HIV care services
    • And more!

Learn more about the services that VDH provides on our website. If you want to become involved in any of our community groups, visit our Get Involved page.

Reach out for support

If you have any questions or need additional support, contact the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline. Hotline counselors are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Virginia state holidays.

The hotline number is (800) 533-4148 and is toll free.

Hotline staff can help connect you to programs and needed resources throughout Virginia.