Press Releases

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

 

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day 

Get Free Condoms from Richmond and Henrico Health Districts 

 

RICHMOND, Va.– It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is also National Condom Day! One of the simplest ways to show you care is to protect the health of those you love. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) provide free condoms to support safer and healthier sexual relationships. 

Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and dinner dates. RHHD reminds you that protection should also be part of the plan. 

“Using a condom is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your sexual health,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “When used correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV. Add condoms to your list when you are picking up flowers and chocolates. Let romance include protecting your sexual health and your partner’s!” 

Virginia STI Data 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a serious public health concern in Virginia.  More than 54,000 STIs were reported in Virginia in 2024. The increase in syphilis diagnoses among women is of particular concern. The rate of newly diagnosed syphilis cases among women increased 144% from 2020 to 2024. For the same time period, newly diagnosed syphilis cases among all genders increased 117% in Richmond City and 65% in Henrico County. 

Cases of congenital syphilis, when a pregnant person passes syphilis to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, increased for the fifth straight year in Virginia. In 2024, 35 cases of congenital syphilis were reported among newly born infants, the highest case count observed in more than 30 years in Virginia. 

Where to find free condoms 

Because many STIs, including syphilis, often show no symptoms, you can spread them without knowing it. Using condoms consistently and correctly is an effective way to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy. 

The Virginia Department of Health distributes condoms statewide through its Condom Distribution Program, which is designed to reduce HIV and other STIs through free access to protection. 

Free condoms are available at RHHD and through community partner organizations. Call 804-205-3500 to locate free condoms nearby. 

Organizations interested in becoming distribution sites should contact the HIV-STD Hotline Supervisor at HIV-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov. Participating organizations may order up to 100,000 condoms per year. 

RHHD can also help you decide if medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) is right for you. Call 804-664-2125 to get started. 

Make this Valentine’s Day a night to remember, not a diagnosis you want to forget. 

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 

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

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