Tag: Testing

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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Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood

February 21, 2025

Environmental Health Contacts:
Brian Stanley, Cumberland Plateau Health District, 276-415-3370
Brad Stallard, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-328-1933

Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood
Any Wells Submerged Due to Flooding are at Risk

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering free test kits for individuals who have residential private drinking water wells impacted by the recent flooding in Southwest Virginia. Any well submerged during the recent flooding event is likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.

The free private well test kits are available to residents in the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed. VDH recommends having a well driller assist with this process. For those choosing to disinfect the well themselves, all safety precautions and instructions should be followed using these instructions.

Once well users disinfect and flush their well, a free test kit can be requested by calling one of the following health departments:

  • Buchanan County Health Department – 276-935-4591
  • Dickenson County Health Department – 276-926-4979
  • Lee County Health Department – 276-346-2011
  • Russell County Health Department – 276-889-7621
  • Scott County Health Department – 276-386-1312
  • Tazewell County Health Department – 276-988-5585
  • Wise County Health Department – 276-328-8000

Well water impacted by flooding can have germs that lead to gastrointestinal illness. The kits will include the tools necessary to collect samples for testing for total coliform and E. coli. Test results will only indicate if the well is contaminated.

Tests must be returned Monday through Thursday to the nearest local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau or LENOWISCO health districts. Samples should be delivered to one of the available locations by 4 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.

For those who have tested their well and need assistance in understanding the test results, visit Well Informed Virginia. For more information about specific concerns regarding private wells contact your local health department or a licensed well driller.

Norfolk Health Department Offers Free Rapid HIV Testing and Counseling on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

February 6, 2023    
Media Contact: Liza de la Cruz, Liza.delaCruz@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-805-7081

Norfolk Health Department Offers Free Rapid HIV Testing and Counseling on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

NORFOLK, VA – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a day to highlight the progress made to reduce HIV in the Black or African-American communities.  In recognition of this day, the Norfolk Department of Public Health is offering rapid HIV testing and counseling on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 830 Southampton Avenue in Norfolk. This community event will include PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) information and giveaways in addition to the rapid HIV testing and counseling. This event is free and open to all.

For more information on PrEP or HIV testing, contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2735.

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Southside Health District Offers Free COVID-19 Testing Event in Clarksville

February 22, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Offers Free COVID-19 Testing Event in Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE, Va. – The Southside Health District will offer a free COVID-19 testing event Thursday, February 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Clarksville Community Center located at 103 Woodland Drive.

Testing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost to the patient. Walk-ups are accepted. No insurance needed. No appointment or advanced registration is needed.

The testing event will use the three-day PCR test. A rapid test option is not available. Testing is available to all ages. However, a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years old. PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic. The health department will call individuals with the test results.

To protect yourself and healthcare workers, wear a mask. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Be sure to tell the testing providers if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, deep cough or shortness of breath, or believe that you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

VDH recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least five days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is considered Day 0.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked to get testing or referred by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.

Please reserve hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies. If you’re seeking a COVID-19 test and it is not an emergency, please visit the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) community testing events or a retail pharmacy. For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those still needing a free COVID-19 vaccine, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.

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Piedmont Health District Offers COVID-19 Testing in Dillwyn

February 18, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

 Piedmont Health District Offers COVID-19 Testing in Dillwyn

DILLWYN Va. – The Piedmont Health District is offering a COVID-19 testing Tuesday, February 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Buckingham County Public Library located at 16266 N. James Madison Highway in Dillwyn.

Testing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost. No insurance needed. No appointment or advanced registration needed.

The testing event will use the three-day PCR test. A rapid test option is not available. Testing is available to all ages. However, a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years old. PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic.

To protect yourself and healthcare workers, wear a cloth face covering or mask. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Be sure to tell the testing providers if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, deep cough or shortness of breath, or believe that you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least five days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is considered Day 0.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.

Please reserve hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies. If you’re seeking a COVID-19 test and it is not an emergency, please visit the VDH community testing events or a retail pharmacy. For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those still needing a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.

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Piedmont Health District Offers Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing in Blackstone

February 10, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Piedmont Health District Offers Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing in Blackstone

BLACKSTONE, Va. – The Piedmont Health District is offering drive thru COVID-19 testing Wednesdays, February 16 and 23 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Blackstone Courier-Record at 111 Maple St.

This event is a drive-thru event and will be located in the parking lot in the rear of the building. Those seeking tests from a vehicle should sit near a window. Testing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost. No insurance needed. No appointment or advanced registration needed.

The testing event will use the three-day PCR test. A rapid test option is not available. Testing is available to all ages. However, a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years old. PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic.

To protect yourself and healthcare workers, wear a cloth face covering or mask. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Be sure to tell the testing providers if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, deep cough or shortness of breath, or believe that you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least five days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is considered Day 0.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.

Please reserve hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies. If you’re seeking a COVID-19 test and it is not an emergency, please visit the VDH community testing events or a retail pharmacy. For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those still needing a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.

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Piedmont Health District Cancels COVID-19 Testing Event at Prince Edward-Farmville Youth Association Gymnasium

February 9, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Piedmont Health District Cancels COVID-19 Testing Event at Prince Edward-Farmville Youth Association Gymnasium

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Piedmont Health District announced the cancellation of a testing event originally scheduled for Monday, February 14 at the Prince Edward-Farmville Youth Association Gymnasium due to additional resources in the area.

Longwood, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Curative, announced the launch of a new testing resource on campus.

For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Please reserve hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies. If you’re seeking a COVID-19 test and it is not an emergency, please visit the VDH community testing events or a retail pharmacy.

For those still needing a free COVID-19 vaccine, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.

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Southside Health District Offers COVID-19 Testing Event at Tabernacle of Zion in Brunswick County

February 8, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Offers COVID-19 Testing Event at Tabernacle of Zion in Brunswick County

LAWRENCEVILLE, Va. – The Southside Health District will offer a COVID-19 testing event Saturday, February 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Tabernacle of Zion Church, located at 602 S. Hicks St. in Lawrenceville.

Testing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost to the patient. Walk-ups are accepted. No insurance needed. No appointment or advanced registration needed.

The testing event will use the three-day PCR test. A rapid test option is not available. Testing is available to all ages. However, a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years old. PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic. Test results will be sent automatically via text or email message to individuals being tested based on the information provided.

To protect yourself and healthcare workers, wear a cloth face covering or mask. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Be sure to tell the testing providers if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, deep cough or shortness of breath, or believe that you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

VDH recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least five days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is considered Day 0.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.

Please reserve hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies. If you’re seeking a COVID-19 test and it is not an emergency, please visit the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) community testing events or a retail pharmacy. For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those still needing a free COVID-19 vaccine, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.

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Chesterfield Health District Community COVID-19 Testing Center to Close

February 8, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Chesterfield Health District Community COVID-19 Testing Center to Close

CHESTERFIELD, Va. – The Chesterfield Health District announces that the Community Testing Center (CTC) at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds is set to close as the demand for testing decreases. The last day of operation will be Thursday, February 10.

The Chesterfield CTC, located at 10300 Courthouse Road, was opened temporarily to meet the community’s testing demand following the holidays and the onset of the Omicron variant. Additional community testing events will be scheduled in the future based on need.

However, there is still time to get a free test at the CTC, if needed. The CTC will be open today, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please enter the fairgrounds through Gate 4.

The CTC provides Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 at no cost to the public. Testing is available for everyone ages 3 months and older. However, a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years old.

Walk-ins will be prioritized based on the governor’s testing guidelines and will be accommodated as supplies and time allow. The last walk-in will be accepted at 5:30 p.m. To reduce wait time, schedule an appointment by visiting vase.vdh.virginia.gov/testingappointment. Testing will take place in a heated tent; please dress appropriately for the weather.

PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic. CTC test results will be sent automatically via text or email message to individuals being tested based on the information provided in the appointment system.

To protect yourself and healthcare workers, wear a cloth face covering or mask. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Be sure to tell the testing providers if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, deep cough or shortness of breath, or believe that you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Please reserve hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies. If you’re seeking a COVID-19 test and it is not an emergency, please visit the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) community testing events or a retail pharmacy. For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those still needing a free COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.

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Pittsylvania-Danville Health District to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing

February 4, 2022
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing

DANVILLE, Va. — The Pittsylvania-Danville Health Districts will offer free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 as part of the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is receiving support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ICATT program to open these new testing locations. ICATT partners with pharmacies and commercial laboratories nationwide to provide testing resources to underserved communities at no-cost to the public. Federally contracted vendor, eTrueNorth, will operate these sites in collaboration with VDH.

“Our health districts are fortunate to be able to partner with integral agencies and organizations at the forefront of vital public health initiatives,” said Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “It is through these partnerships that we are able to bring necessary healthcare services, such as COVID-19 testing, to those locations most convenient and accessible to meet the needs within our community.”

To schedule an appointment at the Sovah Health Danville Medical Park vaccination clinics scheduled for February 7-12, visit www.doineedacovid19test.com/Danville_VA_16357.html. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated as time and supply allow.

SCHEDULE:

February 7       11 a.m. to 6 p.m.         Sovah Health Danville Medical Park, 101 Holbrook St., Danville, Building faces Dibrell Alley

February 8-12 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.           Sovah Health Danville Medical Park, 101 Holbrook St., Danville, Building faces Dibrell Alley

VDH recommends COVID-19 testing for the following people:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least 5 days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is considered day 0.
  • People who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • People regardless of vaccination status who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local, or territorial health department.
  • People who plan to travel or who have recently returned from travel with some exceptions for fully vaccinated  people
  • If possible, people who participate in activities that are at higher risk for COVID-19 exposure (e.g. attending large events where social distancing is not possible, or being in crowded indoor settings).
  • If possible, people who plan to visit someone at high-risk for developing severe COVID-19.

PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting and active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic.

To anonymously report a positive result or to download COVIDWISE, the free exposure notifications app, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/covidwise. To learn more about testing, find additional testing locations and to find out what to do after a test, visit the VDH testing page.

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