Tag: HIV Testing

National HIV Testing Day 2026

Posted on by DDP PR Coordinator

National HIV Testing Day is June 27th each year. On this day we highlight the importance of routine HIV testing. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested at least once. Some people should get tested on a routine basis – this can be dependent on factors such as:

    • If you are having sex without using condoms
    • If you are having sex with multiple partners
    • If you are sharing needles or syringes with others
    • If you are part of a group of people that is more impacted by HIV than other groups, including:
      • Men who have sex with men
      • Black/African Americans
      • Hispanic/Latinos
      • Transgender individuals
    • If you have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), as STIs can increase your risk for HIV. Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
    • If you use drugs or alcohol

Why is HIV testing important?

Regardless of what your status is, knowing your status allows you to make important decisions about your health so you can remain healthy. If you test negative, there are steps you can take to ensure you remain HIV-negative such as PrEP. If you test HIV-positive, there are safe and effective treatments that allow you to live a long and healthy life. However, it is important that you start and remain on this treatment, per your doctor’s instructions. Not taking HIV treatment if you are HIV-positive can negatively impact your immune system and open you up to other serious and life-threatening infections.

Testing availability

HIV testing is available in many locations throughout Virginia at low or no cost.

Local Health Departments

Local health departments offer HIV testing in their sexual health clinics on a sliding fee scale basis. For more information, find your local health department and call for more information.

Community Based Organizations/Health Clinics

VDH and other federal programs fund many community organizations and health clinics throughout Virginia to provide HIV testing. Most of these clinics provide testing free of charge. The type of testing available at community organizations and clinics can vary – sometimes they offer rapid testing with results available the same day.

Find an organization or clinic near you to learn about the testing they offer, see if walk-in testing is available, or if you need to make an appointment.

HIV Self-Test Kits

You can even test yourself in your own private space! VDH offers FREE HIV self-test kits. Just complete a survey, and a kit will be mailed to you in discreet packaging. The testing is simple to perform, and the manufacturer has a 24/7 hotline you can call if you have questions or concerns before, during, and after the testing process.

Interested in having a free HIV self-test kit mailed to you? Check out the survey.

Need more help?

To learn more about HIV testing, or other STI testing, visit the VDH testing webpage.

If you have questions or need help finding a location that offers testing, call our hotline. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. The hotline is closed on Virginia state holidays. Call toll-free, 1-800-533-4148.

Learn or "re-up" your HIV status this National HIV Testing Day. Take the steps you need to care for your health!

World AIDS Day: December 1

Posted on by DDP PR Coordinator

Worlds AIDS Day has been observed on December 1 each year since 1988. Every year, communities stand together, united with the red ribbon. We remember those who have been lost, unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and raise awareness to prevent new cases of HIV.

World AIDS Day 2025, Red Ribbon ImageWhat’s happening in Virginia?

During the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, patients were less likely to seek routine screening and testing, and as a result Virginia reported fewer new cases during that time. The total number of HIV cases annually in Virginia have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Certain communities continue to be impacted by HIV more than others. Youth, ages 15-19, saw a 41% increase in new HIV cases from 2023 to 2024. Black and Hispanic/Latino persons have seen a 27% increase in new cases each year since 2022.

There are over 28,000 people living with HIV in the Commonwealth of Virginia. More than 75% of people with HIV in Virginia are men, and over half are 50 or older. While Black, non-Hispanic people make up 19% of the population in the Commonwealth, 56% of people with HIV identify as Black, non-Hispanic in Virginia.

Find more detailed HIV statistics on the data and reports page and the HIV data dashboard.

Scientific Progress

Major advances in science have been made since HIV/AIDS was first discovered. HIV testing is fast, reliable, and available at any local health department or healthcare provider. Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV. Not everyone has symptoms during the onset of the infection. Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can make it easier to get or transmit HIV.

Find HIV and STD testing near you on the VDH testing page. Learn more about HIV prevention on the HIV prevention page.

HIV Treatment

Advances in HIV treatment help people with HIV live long and healthy lives.

It is proven that when a person with HIV has reached and sustains an undetectable viral load, they will not transmit HIV to their partner sexually. An undetectable viral load means that the number of copies of the virus in the body cannot be detected by certain tests. This is often referred to as Undetectable=Untransmittable, or “U=U.”

Getting into medical care and starting treatment immediately is important. The sooner a person with HIV starts HIV treatment, the better their health outcomes will be.

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with HIV, help is available. Financial assistance with the cost of medications or copays is available through local, state, or federal programs. These programs can also help you find support groups or other social services in your area. Learn more on our website or call the Disease Prevention Hotline at (800) 533-4148.