Tag: AIDS

Central Shenandoah Health District Observes World AIDS Day

December 1, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Observes World AIDS Day
Wear a Red Ribbon to Show Your Support

STAUNTON, Va. — The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) recognizes December 1 as World AIDS Day and encourages communities to stand together, united with a red ribbon. Remember those who have been lost, unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and raise awareness to prevent new cases of HIV.

“About 13% of those living with HIV are unaware of their positive status,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Getting tested is the only way to know your status for sure. We now have many medications that can treat HIV infection and can help people live long and healthy lives, so getting tested early before you may have symptoms is important.”

CSHD provides STI testing at the Staunton-Augusta, Harrisonburg-Rockingham, and Waynesboro-Augusta health departments. You can make an appointment for STI testing by calling (540) 332-7830.

More than 28,000 people are living with HIV in Virginia, including 424 people within CSHD. More than 75% of people with HIV in Virginia are men, and more than half are 50 years 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.

Support from family and friends can be helpful. If you know of anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV, help is available. Financial assistance with medication costs or copays is available through local, state, or federal programs. Visit the Virginia Department of Health to learn about prevention, treatment, financial assistance, STI data, and other related resources.

To learn more about HIV:

Let’s work to fight against HIV and AIDS. The Central Shenandoah Health District encourages you to wear a red ribbon on December 1. To make an STI testing appointment, call CSDH at (540) 332-7830.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Observes World AIDS Day

December 1, 2025
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Observes World AIDS Day
Wear a Red Ribbon to Show Your Support

WARRENTON, Va. — The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department recognizes December 1 as World AIDS Day and encourages communities to stand together, united with a red ribbon. Remember those who have been lost, unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and raise awareness to prevent new cases of HIV.

“I encourage everyone in our district to stand together — get tested, stay informed, and support those living with HIV. On this World AIDS Day we renew our commitment to prevention, care and compassion,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D.

More than 28,000 people are living with HIV in Virginia. More than 75% of people with HIV in Virginia are men, and more than half are 50 years 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.

Support from family and friends can be helpful. If you know of anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV, help is available. Financial assistance with medication costs or copays is available through local, state, or federal programs. Visit the Virginia Department of Health to learn about prevention, treatment, financial assistance, STI data, and other related resources.

To learn more about HIV:

Let’s work to fight against HIV and AIDS. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department encourages you to wear a red ribbon on December 1. If you have questions, contact The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Expand PrEP Program

February 24, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Expand PrEP Program

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce the expansion of its pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

“We can’t forget how far we’ve come with medications and treatments,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts PrEP Coordinator Bernard Stackhouse. “Working in PrEP gives me hope that with a combination of prevention and treatment, we can end the spread of HIV. We have the tools, and we have to get people to use them. Education helps people overcoming barriers that prevent people from taking their medication.”

PrEP is for adults and adolescents without HIV who may be exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use. PrEP may also be an option to help protect pregnant people and their babies from getting HIV while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Pregnant people should talk to their doctor to find out if PrEP is right for them.

RHHD restarted new patient PrEP intake in October 2024 and now offers PrEP services at its Henrico East Clinic and Cary St. Clinic. Virginia residents who want to know if PrEP is right for them should call the RHHD PrEP team at 804-664-2125 and leave a voicemail. The team will return voicemails within two business days. PrEP appointments are available at the following times:

Cary St. Clinic
400 E. Cary St.
Mondays and Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.		 Henrico East Clinic
1400 N. Laburnum Ave.
Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Community members can visit rhhd.gov/sti-hivservices or call 804-205-3501 to learn more about RHHD’s sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.

Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. Financial assistance is available through Medicaid and the Gilead Patient Assistance and Co-pay assistance programs. Patients with no insurance who are not eligible for Medicaid will continue to receive PrEP at no cost (if income requirements are met).

The following RHHD community partners also offer STI testing services:

  • Nationz Foundation 804-716-7597
  • Minority Health Consortium 804-225-0820
  • Health Brigade 804-358-6343 ext. 2145
  • CrossOver HealthCare Ministry 804-655-2794

Virginia residents can search for HIV testing providers near them at rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing. Virginia and Maryland residents can request a home HIV test by mail through this form: rhhd.gov/HIVhometest. For more information about HIV testing in Virginia, please visit rhhd.gov/VDH-HIV-info. Community members can also visit gettested.cdc.gov to find a testing site anywhere in the U.S.

For more health and safety information, please visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

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RHHD Encourages Community Members to Seek Preventative Care, Screening for HIV

November 27, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Seek Preventative Care, Screening for HIV
December 1 is World AIDS Day

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1 by encouraging community members to seek preventative care, screening, and/or treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

RHHD offers a variety of sexually transmitted infection (STI) preventative measures, screenings, and treatments. Services include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication that is highly effective at helping prevent HIV. Community members interested in learning more about PrEP can call 804-664-2125. For more information about RHHD clinical services, including screenings, and to schedule an appointment, call 804-205-3501.

“We have to remember not to forget,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts PrEP Coordinator Bernard Stackhouse. “We can’t forget how far we’ve come with medications, and treatments. Working in PrEP gives me hope that with a combination of prevention and treatment, we can end the spread of HIV.”

Resource Centers at Southwood Apartments, Mosby Court, and Gilpin Court offer STI/HIV screening on a sliding scale during clinic hours. Community members can visit the Resource Centers page to view availability and hours. Community members can visit rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing to search for Virginia-based HIV testing options near them.

The following RHHD community partners also offer free STI testing services: Nationz Foundation (804-716-7597), Minority Health Consortium (804-225-0820), and Health Brigade (804-358-6343 ext. 2145). Community members can find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator.

For those living with HIV, RHHD offers low-cost or free HIV medication access, case management, and other support services for low-income or underinsured individuals through the Ryan White program. RHHD is a Ryan White Part B subrecipient.

In Richmond, proximity to resources like clinics and pharmacies, as well as insurance status, are still shaped by histories of redlining and segregation. In the U.S. people who identify as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to their population size, showing that effective HIV prevention and treatment are not adequately reaching these communities. People who identify as multiracial are also disproportionately impacted.

According to CDC, approximately 31,800 individuals acquired HIV in the U.S. in 2022. Among these:

  • Black/African American people accounted for 37% (11,900), even though they made up 12% of the population.
  • Hispanic/Latino people accounted for 33% (10,500), even though they represented 18% of the population.
  • Multiracial people accounted for 4% (1,200), even though they represented 2% of the population.

The Office of National AIDS Policy reminds public health organizations and community members to observe this annual event and remain steadfast in their commitment HIV infections and provide essential services to all people living with HIV globally.

The theme of World AIDS Day 2024 is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” According to HIV.gov, this theme encapsulates the U.S. government’s dedication to harnessing the significant progress that has been made through global and domestic HIV programs over the last four-plus decades, working to ensure that no communities are left behind.

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