Disease Prevention Highlights

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) – first observed in 1999.  This day recognizes how HIV unequally affects Black people.

National Black HIV / AIDS Awareness Day (February 7) 1Black communities have made great strides in reducing HIV.  Yet, factors such as racism and discrimination may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV services.  Mistrust in the medical system may also be a factor.

NBHAAD is a chance to increase:

    • HIV education;
    • Testing;
    • Community involvement; and
    • Treatment among Black communities.

This year’s NBHAAD theme is Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.

We engage to talk about ways to better involve Black communities in HIV/AIDS efforts.  This can include:

    • Outreach programs;
    • Community partnerships; and
    • Working with local community members to promote HIV programs;
      • This can help promote HIV programming and talking about HIV/AIDS.

We educate by focusing on improving HIV/AIDS education among Black youth and adults.  This could cover the latest HIV information such as:

    • Research;
    • Treatment options;
    • Understanding of PrEP and PEP medications; and
    • Debunking myths that contribute to stigma and discrimination.

Lastly, we can empower by highlighting stories and strategies that have successfully empowered Black people living with HIV/AIDS.  Empowerment can be through advocacy, policy change, access to care, and support systems.

Read more about NBHAAD or find resources to share online on the CDC.gov website.

Furthermore, if you or a loved one has questions about HIV or wants to be linked to local resources, we can help.  Call the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline today at (800) 533-4148.  You can also reach the hotline at hiv-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov.

World AIDS Day: Remember and Commit

December 1st marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day.  This year’s theme is Remember and Commit.  We remember those we have lost in the fight against HIV and AIDS and commit ourselves to working to end the HIV epidemic.

The landscape of HIV has changed dramatically in the past 35 years.  Prevention methods have improved greatly since the early days of the epidemic.  HIV can now be prevented by a growing number of biomedical interventions and with other prevention strategies, such as condoms.  HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP (initiated before an exposure), is one example of a biomedical intervention.  These methods have revolutionized the way that we look at preventing HIV.

Our understanding of HIV transmission has also substantially changed through the years.  Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is a newer concept.  We now understand that someone who is virally suppressed, which means they have an undetectable viral load, cannot sexually transmit HIV to others.  Viral load becomes undetectable when a person with HIV takes their medications as prescribed.  U=U is supported by numerous health groups and organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization.  Treatment for HIV now equals prevention for HIV.

This World AIDS Day, learn more about HIV, find an event near you, or volunteer your time at a local community organization near you.

If you or a loved one has questions about HIV, viral hepatitis, or STDs, call the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline.  The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  You can call the hotline toll-free at (800) 533-4148.

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) is October 15.  Each year on this day we promote HIV prevention and treatment.  We also raise awareness on the disproportionate impact that HIV has on the Latinx community and aim to combat stigma.

CDC image for National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

We’ve made great strides in HIV prevention and treatment.  We are closer than ever to ending HIV.  Join us in the fight against HIV.

Some facts about Latinx people and HIV include (from NLAAD.org):

  • In 2019, 10,502 Latinx people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the United States
    • That’s nearly 29 Latinx people per day
  • In 2019, Latinx people represented 18.4% of the U.S. population, but accounted for 28.5% of all new diagnoses and 22.8% of all people living with HIV
  • 1 in 6 Latinx people living with HIV are unaware that they have it
    • Latinx people who are unaware that they have HIV cannot take advantage of HIV treatment and may unknowingly transmit HIV to others
  • 53% of Latinx people have never been tested for HIV in their lifetime

Take the time this NLAAD to:

If you or a loved one has questions about HIV services, call the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline.  Reach a hotline counselor toll free at (800) 533-4048.  Hotline hours are 8:00 am until 5pm, Monday through Friday.

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) is September 27.  It was first in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS.  On this day, we focus on the impact of HIV and AIDS on gay and bisexual men.  We also focus on ongoing efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS in this community.

CDC Campaign Image for National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness DayAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gay and bisexual men are the population most affected by HIV in the United States.  This is also true in Virginia.  In Virginia in 2022, 53% of people with HIV were men who had sex with men.

There are signs of progress.  New HIV infections are falling among some age and racial/ethnic groups in gay and bisexual men.  However, disparities continue to exist among Black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men.  For more on these disparities, see HIV and Gay and Bisexual Men: HIV Diagnoses.

Take the time this NGMHAAD to:

If you or a loved one has questions about HIV services, call the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Disease Prevention Hotline.  Reach a hotline counselor toll free at (800) 533-4148.  Hotline hours are 8:00am until 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Other Health Updates for Gay/Bisexual Men

While Virginia has not seen a resurgence in mpox that other parts of the county have, it is still important to learn about mpox and be prepared.  Gay and bisexual men have been most affected by the mpox outbreak.  Get vaccinated.  Two doses will provide the greatest protection.  To learn more about mpox, visit the VDH mpox page.

The VDH has announced a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease.  An increase in meningococcal disease has occurred in several health regions.  This increase is three times the number of expected cases in one year.  Vaccination is recommended for individuals who may be at increased risk for the disease.  This includes persons with HIV.  Learn more about meningococcal disease, the current outbreak, and recommendations on the VDH outbreak page.

Renewing Your Medicaid Health Coverage

Virginia Medicaid has returned to its regular renewal activities.  The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has started reviewing members' eligibility to make sure they still qualify for health coverage.

Two months before your renewal is due, you will receive a letter if action is required.  These letters contain important information on actions you may need to take to keep your health coverage.  You can view the DMAS calendar to find out when to expect your notice.  When you get your letter, carefully read and follow the instructions enclosed.  Be sure to respond by the due date listed on your letter or you may lose your health coverage.  

If you need assistance with your renewal letter, updating your contact information, or need general assistance with your renewal you can: 

Last Updated: February 2, 2024