RHHD Encourages HIV Testing; National HIV Testing Day is June 27, 2025

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Last Updated: June 26, 2025

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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