Tag: sexually transmitted infections

Mecklenburg County Health Department Opens Chase City Facility for Clinical Services

November 17, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia PIO, brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Mecklenburg County Health Department Opens Chase City Facility for Clinical Services

CHASE CITY, Va. – Southside Health District is proud to announce the official opening of Mecklenburg County Health Department’s new clinical services facility located at 200 East 5th St. in Chase City. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 14, marking the department’s commitment to providing access to essential public health services for the Mecklenburg community.

Ribbon cutting of the Chase City Health Clinic. Pictured: Southside Health District staff, Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, Chase City Mayor Alden Fahringer, Delegate Otto Wachsmann (83rd District), Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi (9th District), and Mecklenburg County Administrator Alex Gottschalk.
Ribbon cutting of the Chase City Health Clinic.
Pictured: Southside Health District staff, Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, Chase City Mayor Alden Fahringer, Delegate Otto Wachsmann (83rd District), Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi (9th District), and Mecklenburg County Administrator Alex Gottschalk.

“We were pleased to welcome government officials and the community to our new facility as staff showcased the range of services we provide,” said Southside Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “This open house offered a chance for people to meet our dedicated team and learn more about how we can help them lead healthier lives.”

Although the clinic has been serving residents since April, the ribbon cutting provided the opportunity to formally celebrate the new facility. The Chase City clinic makes it easier to meet the health needs of families and individuals across the county.

Services offered at the Chase City clinic include:

  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program: Nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food program for eligible families.
  • Immunizations: Routine childhood vaccinations, boosters for adults, and protection against preventable diseases like the flu.
  • Family Planning: Confidential counseling, birth control options, pregnancy testing, and physical exams.
  • STI Clinics: Clinical exams, lab work, and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, to include HIV.
  • Vital Records: Virginia birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates.

“This new clinic strengthens our ability to provide our community with the resources they need to live healthier lives. We are excited to provide high‑quality services in a space that meets the needs of our residents” said Tina Slabach, Nurse Manager Senior, Mecklenburg County Health Department.

For additional information on these clinic services, or to schedule an appointment please contact the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 434-533-8213.

Mecklenburg County Health Department’s environmental health, epidemiology, and population health programs remain at the Boydton office located at 478 Washington St., Boydton, Va.

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Student Health 101: Your College Syllabus for a Healthy School Year

August 11, 2025 

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

Student Health 101: Your College Syllabus for a Healthy School Year 

 RICHMOND, Va.– For some young adults, going off to college is an exciting time. Learning to take care of one’s health is as important as required coursework. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are offering tips for physical, sexual and mental health this school year. 

“College is a time of growth and new experiences, including learning how to care for your health,” said RHHD Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves.  “We want to equip these students with the tools they need to stay safe, make informed decisions and build healthy habits that last beyond the school year.” 

Here are some tips for staying healthy at college: 

Support Immune Function 

Two of the most important things you can do to make sure your immune system is functioning properly are eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. If your immune system is not working as well as it should, this might put you at risk of contracting diseases that are common at colleges, including: 

  • Gastrointestinal infections 
  • Respiratory illnesses 
  • Sinus infections 
  • Sexually transmitted infections 
  • Meningitis 

Eat a Healthy Diet 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommend the following tips for healthy eating: 

  • Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. 
  • Include a variety of protein foods. Healthful options include seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts and seeds. 

Energy drinks might seem like a good way to fuel long study sessions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends understanding the harmful effects of energy drinks, which often include large amounts of caffeine. Some of the harmful effects of energy drinks include: 

  • Dehydration (not enough water in your body) 
  • Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure) 
  • Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery) 
  • Insomnia (inability to sleep) 

 Sleep Well 

Good sleep is essential for health and wellbeing and can help college students stay focused, improve concentration and improve academic performance. CDC recommends taking the following steps to improve sleep: 

  • Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. 
  • Keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing and at a cool temperature. 
  • Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime. 
  • Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime. 
  • Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening. 
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. 

Get Immunized  

College students should be up to date on all school-required immunizations. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends the following vaccines:   

  • Meningococcal ACWY  
  • Meningococcal B 
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 
  • Hepatitis A 
  • Influenza  
  • COVID-19  

Vaccines are available through your healthcare provider, pharmacies and at RHHD clinic locations. 

 Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits 

  • Wash your hands frequently. 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. 
  • Don’t share drinks. 
  • Stay home when you’re sick. 

Prioritize Sexual Health  

  • Use condoms consistently and correctly every time.
     
  • If you are sexually active: 
  • Get tested for STIs, including HIV, at least once a year. 
  • Testing is confidential and provided through most university/college student health services. RHHD offers testing on a sliding scale. Some community partners may offer free testing. 
  • Learn about free or low-cost medications that can prevent you from becoming infected with HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) if you are exposed. 

Prioritize Mental Health 

  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from people you trust. 

Think Before You Drink 

Alcohol consumption affects your body and mind. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that alcohol use is a factor in more than 1,500 deaths and nearly 700,000 assaults among emerging adults of college age (18 to 24). According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 15.1% of adults ages 18 to 25 met the criteria for past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD). Within this age group, 14.5% of full-time college students ages 18 to 25 and 15.3% of other persons of the same age met the criteria for AUD. If you choose to drink, do so legally and responsibly and understand the risks.  

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 Wellness 101: Your College Syllabus for a Safe and Healthy School Year

August 4, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Wellness 101: Your College Syllabus
for a Safe and Healthy School Year

STAUNTON, Va.– Going off to college is an exciting time for many young adults and learning to take care of your health is as important as any required course. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is offering tips for physical, sexual, and mental wellness this school year.

Living in close quarters, often combined with poor diets and sleep schedules, puts college students at an increased risk for infections and diseases including:

  • Meningitis
  • Sinus infections
  • Cold and flu viruses
  • Sexually transmitted infections

Here are some ways to help students stay healthy:

Get Immunized

College students should be up to date on all school required immunizations. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends the following vaccines:

  • Meningococcal ACWY
  • Meningococcal B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Influenza
  • COVID-19

Vaccines are available through your healthcare provider, pharmacies, and local health department during clinic hours.

Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Don’t share drinks
  • Stay home when you’re sick

Prioritize Sexual Wellness

  • Take steps to reduce your likelihood of coming in contact with a Sexually Transmitted Infection(STI):
    • Abstain from sexual activity or reduce your number of sexual partners.
    • Use condoms consistently and correctly every time.
  • If you are sexually active:
    • Get tested for STIs at least once a year.
    • Testing is free and confidential at certain CSHD locations throughout the year and through student health services at most colleges and universities.
    • Learn about free or low-cost medications that can prevent someone from becoming infected with HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) if they are exposed.

Mental Health Matters

Think Before You Drink

Alcohol consumption affects your body and your mind. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIAA) estimates that alcohol use by college students is a factor in more than 1,500 deaths, nearly 700,000 assaults and most sexual assaults involving college students. If you choose to drink do so in moderation and understand the risks.

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.

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/.

Central Shenandoah Health District Announces New Walk-In STI Testing at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department

February 14, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Western Region PIO
linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Shenandoah Health District Announces New Walk-In STI Testing at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department

(Staunton, Va.) — Beginning February 20, the Central Shenandoah Health District will offer Test & Go clinics at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department every third Tuesday of the month. 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:

  • February 20, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • March 19, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • April 16, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • May 21, 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 STI testing,” says Elaine Perry, acting 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.” It is recommended that anyone who has been exposed to an STI or has symptoms seek STI testing.

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/.