Tag: HIV

Norfolk Health Department and City Jail Partner to Expand STI Testing and Treatment

NORFOLK, Va. — The City of Norfolk has some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Virginia. To address this, the Norfolk Department of Public Health (NDPH) and the Norfolk City Jail (NCJ) have teamed up to provide health screenings and treatment for people in jail. This new program focuses on preventing the spread of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C.

The program started in February 2026 to make it easier for inmates to get confidential testing.

“This partnership gives us the opportunity to break down barriers to care and reach some of our residents who are often hard to reach,” said Dr. Susan Girois, Health Director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “Improving health in correctional facilities builds a safer, healthier community for everyone.”

How the Program Works

Twice a month, public health specialists go to the jail gymnasium to offer voluntary testing. They use “rapid tests” that give quick results for syphilis and HIV. In the first month alone, the team tested 32 people and found one case of syphilis, which they were able to treat immediately.

The need for this service is high. Even though the jail sees hundreds of people every month, about 100 people signed up for testing in just the first few weeks.

“We have seen a surprisingly high interest among inmates requesting testing, which is incredibly encouraging in that people are interested in their sexual and reproductive health wellness,” said Virginia Rader, Director of Grants and LIDS for the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. “Ensuring these individuals are screened and treated properly is a top priority for Norfolk City Jail.”

“Bringing testing directly into the jail is a meaningful step forward in meeting our patients where they are,” said Erin Topalian, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health Manager at the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. “This collaboration supports our inmates and reflects the Sheriff’s vision to ‘make a difference in the lives of others as far as we can reach.’ We look forward to strengthening this partnership and are optimistic about what we can accomplish together.”

Growing for the Future

The program is already expanding to offer more help:

  • Hepatitis C Testing: Starting in March 2026, the team can now test for Hepatitis C on-site.
  • Affordable Medicine: The health department is working to get lower-cost medications for those who test positive.
  • Continuing Care: A new system is being built to make sure that if someone tests positive, they can continue their treatment even after they are released from jail.

By using the time someone is in jail to provide medical help, Norfolk is working to close the gap in healthcare and keep everyone in the city healthy.

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Love Safely This Valentine’s Day – Get Free Condoms from the Crater Health District

February 13, 2026
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day
Get Free Condoms from the Crater Health District

 

PETERSBURG, Va.– It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is also National Condom Day! One of the simplest ways to show you care is to protect the health of those you love. The Crater Health District (CHD) provides free condoms to support safer and healthier sexual relationships.

Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and dinner dates. CHD reminds you that protection should also be part of the plan.

“National Condom Week is an important reminder that protecting our community starts with simple, informed choices, and condoms remain one of the most effective tools we have to help us stay healthy, support our partners, and prevent infections,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a serious public health concern in Virginia.  More than 54,000 STIs were reported in Virginia in 2024.  The increase in syphilis diagnoses among women is of particular concern.  The rate of newly diagnosed syphilis cases among women increased 144% from 2020 to 2024.

Cases of congenital syphilis, when a pregnant person passes syphilis to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, increased for the fifth straight year in Virginia. In 2024, 35 cases of congenital syphilis were reported among newly born infants, the highest case count observed in more than 30 years in Virginia.

Because many STIs, including syphilis, often show no symptoms, you can spread them without knowing it. Using condoms consistently and correctly is an effective way to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

The Virginia Department of Health distributes condoms statewide through its Condom Distribution Program, which is designed to reduce HIV and other STIs through free access to protection.

Free condoms are available at the Crater Health District and through community partner organizations.

You can contact call 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District.to locate free condoms nearby.

Organizations interested in becoming distribution sites should contact the HIV-STD Hotline Supervisor at HIV-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov. Participating organizations may order up to 100,000 condoms per year.

CHD offers a Men’s Sexual Health Clinic in Petersburg on the 2nd & 4th Mondays from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.  For more information about or Services & Programs – Crater Health District.

Make this Valentine’s Day a night to remember, not a diagnosis you want to forget.

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Love Safely This Valentine’s Day

February 9, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day
Get Free Condoms from the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District

WARRENTON, Va. – It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is also National Condom Day! One of the simplest ways to show you care is to protect the health of those you love. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District provides free condoms to support safer and healthier sexual relationships.

Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and dinner dates. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds you that protection should also be part of the plan.

“Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate connection and care,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “Loving safely means protecting yourself and your partner, and free condoms are one simple way to support healthy relationships and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.”

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a serious public health concern in Virginia.  More than 54,000 STIs were reported in Virginia in 2024.  The increase in syphilis diagnoses among women is of particular concern. The rate of newly diagnosed syphilis cases among women increased 144% from 2020 to 2024.

Cases of congenital syphilis, when a pregnant person passes syphilis to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, increased for the fifth straight year in Virginia. In 2024, 35 cases of congenital syphilis were reported among newly born infants, the highest case count observed in more than 30 years in Virginia.

Because many STIs, including syphilis, often show no symptoms, you can spread them without knowing it. Using condoms consistently and correctly is an effective way to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

The Virginia Department of Health distributes condoms statewide through its Condom Distribution Program, which is designed to reduce HIV and other STIs through free access to protection.

Free condoms are available at the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District and through community partner organizations. You can contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org to locate free condoms nearby.

Organizations interested in becoming distribution sites should contact the HIV-STD Hotline Supervisor at HIV-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov. Participating organizations may order up to 100,000 condoms per year.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District can also help you decide if medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) is right for you.

Make this Valentine’s Day a night to remember, not a diagnosis you want to forget.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.