RHHD encourages HIV testing for Richmond area residents at risk

VENN VENN
Jun 26, 2025 - 18:25
0 0
RHHD encourages HIV testing for Richmond area residents at risk

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging anyone who may be at risk of contracting HIV -- or human immunodeficiency virus -- to get tested ahead of National HIV Testing Day.

National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, that can also be spread through sharing needles or syringes. It can also be transmitted from a parent to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth and nursing.

Data from 2023 shows that Richmond and Henrico County had the second and third highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (respectively, by health district) in Virginia. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone ages 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once. Those with certain risk factors should get tested more often.

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 nearby testing facility on RHHD's website.

RHHD offers clinic-based STI screening and HIV testing appointments at its Cary Street, Henrico East and Henrico West clinics. The districts said to call 804-205-3500 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to set up an appointment.

Appointment times reportedly vary by location and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no walk-in appointments available, and fees may apply.

RHHD said other HIV services include RHHD’s pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program, which 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. RHHD offers direct PrEP services at its Henrico East and Cary Street clinics. 

Community members can also seek out HIV in-person screening, along with a variety of other services, at RHHD clinics in Mosby, Gilpin and Southwood Resource Centers.

Virginia residents can request a free at-home HIV testing kit by mail through RHHD's online form. For more information about HIV testing in Virginia, please visit the districts' website.

RHHD said its community partners also offer STI and HIV testing services:  

RHHD said its Ryan White Referral for Healthcare and Support Services and Outreach Services ended May 16, 2025, due to losses of state and federal funding.

Those services were reportedly 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. Folks can visit VDH's HIV Care Services website to learn more about available programs in the state.  

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 reportedly be eligible for Medicaid. RHHD said 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 who need support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program can call 855-362-0658. 

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram and on Facebook, visit RHHD's website and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter.

Read More