On December 1, 2025, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) recognized World AIDS Day. The districts encouraged residents to focus on preventative care, HIV testing, and treatment. Recent data from the Virginia Department of Health shows that Richmond City and Henrico County have the second and third highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people in Virginia. RHHD states that knowing one’s HIV status helps improve health outcomes and can reduce transmission.
Bennett Shumaker, a Disease Intervention Specialist with RHHD, said testing is important, though it can be emotionally difficult. Support is available for those who need it. RHHD provides STI and HIV testing at several clinics, including Cary Street, Henrico East, and Henrico West. Information about appointments and resources is available on the RHHD website. The health district also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication that helps prevent HIV.
Other organizations in the community also offer free STI and HIV testing. These include the Nationz Foundation, Minority Health Consortium, Health Brigade, and the VCU Ryan White Program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a testing site locator to help people find services nearby…