Last Updated: December 1, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
RHHD Encourages Community Members to Seek Preventative Care, Testing for HIV
December 1 is World AIDS Day
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) commemorate World AIDS Day Dec. 1 by encouraging community members to seek preventative care, testing, and/or treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Virginia Department of Health data from 2023 shows 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.
“The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Disease Intervention Specialist Bennett Shumaker. “Knowing your status helps keep you and your partner(s) healthy. Our disease intervention specialists understand that receiving the news of a new HIV diagnosis is challenging. We are here to offer support, grace, and hope.”
RHHD Testing Options
RHHD offers clinic-based sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing appointments at its Cary Street, Henrico East, and Henrico West clinics. Visit rhhd.gov/sti for information and to view testing appointment options. Use rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing to search for Virginia-based HIV testing options near you.
RHHD also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a daily medication that is highly effective at helping prevent HIV. To learn more about PrEP, call 804-482-5493.
People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658.
Community Partner Testing Options
The following RHHD community partners offer free STI and HIV testing services:
- Nationz Foundation: 804-716-7597
- Minority Health Consortium: 804-225-0820
- Health Brigade: 804-358-6343 (ext. 2145)
- VCU Ryan White Program: 804-828-0289
Use the CDC testing site locator to find a testing site near you.
HIV Data
In Richmond, proximity to resources like clinics and pharmacies, as well as insurance status, are still shaped by histories of redlining and segregation. In the U.S., people who identify as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to their population size, showing that effective HIV prevention and treatment are not adequately reaching these communities. People who identify as multiracial are also disproportionately impacted.
HIV disproportionally affects people who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial. These groups only make up 22% of the U.S. population. Yet, according to the CDC, they account for 74% of the 31,800 individuals who acquired HIV in the U.S. in 2022.
Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.
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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.
rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd