RICHMOND, VA —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Wednesday, Feb. 7 by encouraging Black Richmond and Henrico residents to get tested and seek treatment. This day also creates the opportunity for healthcare providers and policy makers to reflect on the ways racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect those seeking and receiving HIV prevention and treatment services.
This year’s NBHAAD theme is “Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.” This theme focuses on amplifying the dialogue around HIV/AIDS, improving education, and highlighting success stories and strategies. RHHD, along with community partners, offers services that include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that can reduce a person’s chance of contracting HIV after an exposure.
“RHHD is committed to expanding access to HIV testing and PrEP for our Black residents,” said Clinical Nurse Supervisor, Cassie Beamon. “We hope that National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will encourage more community members, especially Black women, to seek the care they need.”
In 2021, 40% of all people living with HIV in the U.S were Black. But Black Americans only made up 14% of the population taking PrEP. Beamon sees a similar discrepancy in populations taking PrEP locally. In Richmond, proximity to resources like clinics and pharmacies, as well as insurance status, are still shaped by histories of redlining and segregation.
For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call (804) 205-3501 or visit rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing. The following RHHD community partners also offer STI testing services: Nationz Foundation (804) 716-7597, Minority Health Consortium (804) 225-0820, and Health Brigade (804) 358-6343 ext. 2145. Residents can find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator.
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.
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