In support of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) is offering walk-in testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Health Department (608 Jackson St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401). No appointments are required.
Testing will be offered for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as other STIs including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Follow-up appointments will be available for anyone needing treatment. Individuals can also learn about ongoing protection from HIV through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Interpretation services for testing and counseling will be available.
Testing is confidential. If individuals seeking testing have insurance, it will be charged for the appointment, but those without insurance can still access testing on a sliding scale based on income. Identification is not required.
For anyone seeking testing but unable to attend walk-in hours, testing is also regularly available by appointment at the Caroline, Fredericksburg, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford health departments and is also available at many primary care offices and urgent care centers.
Condoms are available at all local health departments in RAHD at no cost. Individuals interested in PrEP therapy can call their local health department for more information.
In 2023, RAHD saw a total of 34 new HIV infections, up from 28 new cases in 2022. HIV is most commonly spread through sex or by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Though there are many ways to prevent HIV, like using PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis, condoms, and never sharing needles, the only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
For more information about the Rappahannock Area Health District, visit vdh.virginia.gov/Rappahannock. For more information on HIV, visit the VDH website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
