{"id":16660,"date":"2025-12-17T09:11:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:11:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=16660"},"modified":"2025-12-17T09:11:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:11:26","slug":"central-shenandoah-health-district-observes-world-aids-day","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/central-shenandoah-health-district-observes-world-aids-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Central Shenandoah Health District Observes World AIDS Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

December 1, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a>, 540-480-4998<\/p>\n

Central Shenandoah Health District Observes World AIDS Day
\n<\/strong>Wear a Red Ribbon to Show Your Support<\/em><\/p>\n

STAUNTON, Va. \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout 13% of those living with HIV are unaware of their positive status,\u201d says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. \u201cGetting 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

More than 28,000 people are living with HIV in Virginia, including 424 people within CSHD<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> to learn about prevention, treatment, financial assistance<\/a>, STI data, and other related resources.<\/p>\n

To learn more about HIV:<\/p>\n