Richmond, Henrico health districts encourage testing and preventive care for HIV

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Dec. 1 marks World AIDS Day, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging people to get testing, treatment or preventive care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -- the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The city of 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 Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data from 2023.

Testing appointments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are offered by RHHD at its clinics in Cary Street, Henrico East and Henrico West. For more information and to view the testing options, click here.

People can also use this link to find Virginia-based HIV testing options near them.

Additionally, RHHD offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) -- which is a medication taken daily that has been highly effective in helping to prevent HIV, according to local health officials. Those that want to learn more about PrEP can call 804-482-5493.

There are also free STI and HIV testing services offered by the following RHHD community partners:

• 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 

People can also utilize the CDC testing site locator to find a testing site near them.