Tag: HIV

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.

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

December 1, 2025

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

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

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

Virginia Department of Health data from 2023 shows that Richmond City and Henrico County had the second and third highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (respectively, by health district) in Virginia.

“The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Disease Intervention Specialist Bennett Shumaker. “Knowing your status helps keep you and your partner(s) healthy. Our disease intervention specialists understand that receiving the news of a new HIV diagnosis is challenging. We are here to offer support, grace, and hope.”

RHHD Testing Options

RHHD offers clinic-based sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing appointments at its Cary Street, Henrico East, and Henrico West clinics. Visit rhhd.gov/sti for information and to view testing appointment options. Use rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing to search for Virginia-based HIV testing options near you.

RHHD also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a daily medication that is highly effective at helping prevent HIV. To learn more about PrEP, call 804-482-5493.

People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658.

Community Partner Testing Options

The following RHHD community partners offer free STI and HIV testing services:

Use the CDC testing site locator to find a testing site near you.

HIV Data

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.

HIV disproportionally affects people who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial. These groups only make up 22% of the U.S. population. Yet, according to the CDC, they account for 74% of the 31,800 individuals who acquired HIV in the U.S. in 2022.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

###

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.

# # #

Central Shenandoah Health District Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths

August 29, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Provides Services to Reduce Overdose Deaths
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31

STAUNTON, Va. – August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember and grieve loved ones who lost their lives to drug overdoses. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is a key community partner in the fight to prevent drug overdoses. CSHD District provides support, encourages recovery, and spreads overdose prevention awareness.

Fatal drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Virginia. In 2024, 1,403 Virginians tragically lost their lives to drug overdoses. 97 of those deaths occurred within the Central Shenandoah Health District.

“Even one overdose is too many,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director of CSHD. “Overdose is preventable, and the health department is glad to offer free Naloxone to its residents.”

Central Shenandoah Health District overdose prevention services include:

  • Naloxone kits,
  • Overdose reversal education,
  • Fentanyl test strips,
  • Drug treatment services referrals,
  • HIV and hepatitis testing, and
  • Connections to medical care and support services.

Learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose at Central Shenandoah Health District’s REVIVE! Training. Call CSHD at (540) 332-7830 to schedule a training session today.

For more information on drug overdose prevention resources, contact Central Shenandoah Health District. You can also email questions to overdose@vdh.virginia.gov.

Mount Rogers Health District Launches Mobile Units to Expand Health Services

July 1, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, Mount Rogers Health District 276-781-7450

Mount Rogers Health District Launches Mobile Units to Expand Health Services

MARION, Va. — Local officials, health professionals, and community partners recently gathered at Marion Senior High School to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of two new mobile health units that will bring essential services directly to communities across all eight localities of the Mount Rogers Health District.

The two mobile units were funded through a multi-year grant from the Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) and represent a collaboration between all eight localities in the district as well as the Mount Rogers and Highlands Community Services Boards. The partnership to obtain the motorized vehicles mark a major step in addressing the region’s ongoing challenges related to substance use, behavioral health, and access to care.

“These units enable us to meet people where they are, especially in areas where transportation, stigma, or scheduling conflicts have made it difficult for individuals to access traditional clinic services,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District.

Each mobile unit will be jointly staffed by the Mount Rogers Health District and Community Services Board personnel and will provide a wide range of services, including:

  • HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C, and STI testing
  • Harm reduction services (naloxone distribution and fentanyl/xylazine test strips)
  • Immunizations
  • Hepatitis C treatment
  • Mental health and substance use counseling
  • Psychiatric medication management
  • Referrals and wraparound case management

The region served by the Mount Rogers Health District has long faced elevated rates of substance use disorder, hepatitis C, poverty, and overdose burden compared to the rest of the state. In 2021 alone, the eight localities represented had a combined economic burden from opioids of nearly $96 million. The mobile units reflect a data-driven, community-informed response that emphasizes prevention, education, and connection to care.

Since the recent launch, health officials continue to refine operations as they learn during each stop. The program aims to be both responsive and sustainable, with services billed through existing clinical systems and continued pursuit of additional grant opportunities.

“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Helmick. “We are deeply hopeful about what this can mean for individuals and families across our region.”

To learn more about the mobile units, including the staff and schedule for each, visit www.MRHD.org and click on “Integrative Health Servies-Mobile Unit.”

RHHD Encourages HIV Testing

June 26, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages HIV Testing
National HIV Testing Day is June 27

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members who may be at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to seek testing. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also spread through injection drug use. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyone ages 13 – 64 should get tested HIV at least once. People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is June 27.

“National HIV Testing Day is the perfect moment to begin or renew your commitment to yourself and your health,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts STI/HIV Prevention Supervisor Stephanie Mbengue. “It’s up to each of us to be the best stewards of our sexual health. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and our community partners are here for you every step of the way.”

Community members can receive HIV testing from their physician as part of regular appointments or from local health departments, pharmacies, and community organizations. Virginia residents can search for a testing facility near them at rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing.

STI/HIV services at RHHD clinics:

RHHD offers clinic-based STI screening and HIV testing appointments at its Cary St., Henrico East, and Henrico West clinics. Call 804-205-3500 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to set up an appointment. Appointment times vary by location and are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no walk-in appointments available. Fees may apply.

Other HIV services include RHHD’s pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of contracting HIV. Virginia residents who want to know if PrEP is right for them should call the RHHD PrEP team at 804-482-5493 and leave a voicemail. The team will return voicemails within two business days. RHHD offers direct PrEP services at its Henrico East and Cary St. clinics.

Community members may also seek out HIV in-person screening, along with a variety of other services, at RHHD clinics in Mosby, Gilpin, and Southwood Resource Centers.

Services available through RHHD partners:

Virginia residents can request a free at-home HIV testing kit by mail through this form: rhhd.gov/HIVhometest. For more information about HIV testing in Virginia, please visit rhhd.gov/VDH-HIV-info.

The following RHHD community partners also offer STI and HIV testing services:

RHHD Ryan White Referral for Healthcare & Support Services and Outreach Services ended May 16, 2025, due to losses of state and federal funding. These services were provided by the federal Ryan White program, which includes low-cost or free HIV medical care, HIV medication access, and other support services for low income or underinsured individuals living with HIV. People can visit VDH HIV Care Services website to learn more about available programs in Virginia.

The following local agencies provide Ryan White Part B navigation and/or outreach services:

The following local agencies provide Ryan White Part B medical care and support services in addition to navigation and/or outreach services.

Some Ryan White clients (those who are at or below 138% of the federal poverty level) will be eligible for Medicaid. Ryan White clients can contact Benalytics to get assistance with Medicaid enrollment at 855-483-4647. Clients may also call the Cover Virginia Call Center at 855-242-8282.

People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658.

Data from 2023 show that Richmond City and Henrico County had the second and third highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (respectively, by health district) in Virginia.

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

###

Central Shenandoah Health District to Host Free Monthly STI Test & Go Clinics

Posted on by lindascarborough

May 22, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District to Host Free Monthly STI Test & Go Clinics

LEXINGTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is announcing new free monthly Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing in the Lexington/Buena Vista area starting this May. These pop-up clinics are being offered in partnership with the Rockbridge Recovery Group Center (RRGC) in Buena Vista and Rockbridge Area Community Services (RACS) in Lexington.

These Test & Go clinics are intended to provide convenient access to healthcare within our community and are available to the public. CSHD’s newly refurbished mobile unit will be used to provide STI testing free of cost to participants. No insurance, identification, or payment is required. These clinics will be offered on a first-come first-served basis with no appointment needed.

The clinic will offer testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, & Syphilis. Patients who need treatment will be connected to healthcare providers for follow up care.

“Test & Go clinics are a great resource for any individual who is sexually active and needs access to STI testing,” says Allison Baroco MD, infectious diseases physician and interim health director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. “Rates of STIs have increased significantly in the past several years in Virginia and nationally, so it is more important than ever to know your status. Those with positive test results will be connected to counseling on treatment.”

The clinic schedule is listed below:

  • May 30, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, at Rockbridge Area Community Services, 241 Greenhouse Rd., Lexington, VA 24450
  • June 18, 3:30 – 5:30 pm, at the Rockbridge Recovery Group Center, at 119 E. 28th St., Buena Vista, VA 24416.
  • Every third Thursday of the month beginning in July, 3:30 – 5:30 pm, at the Rockbridge Recovery Group Center, at 119 E. 28th St., Buena Vista, VA 24416.

Routine STI testing and treatment is available at the Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro Health Department locations. Appointments for routine testing and treatment are required. Call your local health department to make an appointment.

More information about Test & Go clinics and routine STI testing and treatment can be found on the Central Shenandoah Health District website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/health-services/sexually-transmitted-infections/.

For more information, you may call (540) 463-3185, or email cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov. For the latest schedule, check out our Facebook page @CentralShenandoahHealthDistrict.

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.

# # #

RHHD Commemorates National HIV Testing Day June 27

June 26, 2024
Media Contact:  RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727

RHHD Commemorates National HIV Testing Day June 27

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27 by reminding members of the public who think they might be affected by HIV to seek testing and to learn more about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment.

“You are your own best reason for prevention,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Health Educator Bellamy Riley. “Prevention is not always about what you’re doing. Sometimes it’s about what is going on in your community.”
RHHD encourages the public to receive HIV testing from their physician as part of regular appointments or from local health departments, pharmacies, and community organizations. Virginia residents can search for a testing facility near them at rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing.

As part of its HIV and broader Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) prevention initiatives, RHHD offers clinic-based testing opportunities at its Cary St., Henrico East, and Henrico West Clinics. Call (804) 205-3501 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to set up an appointment.

RHHD, Cary St. City Clinic
400 E. Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23219
STI-only Appointments
Mondays & Wednesdays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Fridays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

RHHD, Henrico East Clinic
1400 N. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23223
Combined STI/Family Planning Appointments
Mondays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

RHHD, Henrico West Clinic
8600 Dixon Powers Dr
Henrico, VA 23228
Combined STI/Family Planning Appointments
Wednesdays – 8:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Residents may also seek out HIV/STI in-person screening and treatment, along with a variety of other services at Mosby, Gilpin, and Southwood Resource Centers. Virginia and Maryland residents can request a test by mail through this form: rhhd.gov/HIVhometest.

For more information about HIV testing in Virginia, please visit rhhd.gov/VDH-HIV-info.

The NHTD theme for 2024 is “Level up your self-love: check your status.” According to the CDC, this theme emphasizes “valuing yourself, showing yourself compassion and respect, and honoring your health needs with self-love. Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy.”

# # #

Central Shenandoah Health District Announces Continued Walk-In STI Testing Clinics

May 23, 2024
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) Announces Continued Walk-In STI Testing at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department

STAUNTON, Va. — After multiple successful STI Test & Go Clinics hosted by Central Shenandoah Health District this spring, CSHD is going to be continuing these Test & Go Clinics throughout the summer of 2024.

Beginning June 18, the Central Shenandoah Health District will offer Test & Go clinics at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department every third Tuesday of the month and are currently scheduled through to August of 2024. Test & Go clinics offer after-hours walk-in testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) once a month. Individuals can receive free testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV at these clinics. Testing is available to everyone at no cost. Patients can expect to be in and out of the clinic in 15 minutes or less.

Dates and times for the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department Test & Go Clinics are below:

  • June 18, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • July 16, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • August 20, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Walk-in appointments are available on a first-come-first-served basis. The earlier the arrival, the better the chance a patient will secure a testing spot. Patients will be accepted until 6 p.m. or until 10 testing spots are taken, whichever comes first. Individuals are encouraged to arrive by 5:30 p.m. to secure a testing spot.  Individuals who receive a positive test result will be contacted by health department staff to get connected to treatment options.

“The Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department Test & Go clinics are a great resource for any individual who is sexually active and needs access to Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing,” says Allison Baroco MD, infectious diseases physician and health director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. “Rates of STIs have increased significantly in the past several years in Virginia and nationally, so it is more important than ever to know your status. Those with positive test results will be provided counseling on treatment and our professionals can assist with scheduling this treatment at your local health department in a confidential setting.”

Routine STI testing and treatment is available at the Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro Health Department locations. Appointments for routine testing and treatment are required. Call your local health department to make an appointment.

More information about Test & Go clinics and routine STI testing and treatment can be found on the Central Shenandoah Health District website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/health-services/sexually-transmitted-infections/.