[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Recognizes National HIV Testing Day

­­For Immediate Release: June 27, 2020

June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day, a time to raise awareness about the importance of testing, early diagnosis, and treatment for HIV. 

This year’s theme, “Knowing,” encourages regular testing so everyone knows their HIV status and education to know their risk levels, prevention tools, and treatment options. There are nearly 40,000 new HIV infections a year nationwide. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40% of those living with HIV either don’t know they have it, or they know their status but are not actively receiving care, potentially exposing their partners to the virus.

About 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV. Receiving a diagnosis as soon as possible is critical so they can enter treatment. Taking HIV medicine as prescribed can keep people healthy and protect their partners.

In Alexandria, the rate of people living with HIV is more than double the rate in Virginia and neighboring counties. The prevalence rate of HIV among Alexandria’s Black or African American community is four times the rate among whites, although people of any race or age are susceptible to infection. AHD has been working with vulnerable populations, community leaders and activists in communities of color and disadvantage for decades, including in the battles against HIV/AIDS, other communicable diseases, and teen pregnancy. AHD provides those communities with targeted prevention services such as immunization and sexual & reproductive health clinics.

AHD’s population health efforts engage residents and partners to identify barriers to ideal health, to help build solutions that make sense for everyone. AHD’s Community Health Assessment underscores the existing disparities in Alexandria, and a five-year Community Health Improvement Plan will be developed in tandem with the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria.

The Alexandria Health Department provides free, confidential HIV rapid testing. There are no eligibility requirements and people can make an appointment by calling 703.746.4996. Alexandria youth between the ages of 12-19 can also receive free, confidential HIV and other sexually transmitted infection testing at the Teen Wellness Center at T.C. Williams High School. Call 703.746.4776 to make an appointment.

For more information on HIV testing and counseling services, visit alexandriava.gov/Health or call 703.746.4996.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

Note: This news release was edited on June 27, 2020, at 4:30 p.m., to clarify that the Community Health Improvement Plan has not yet been completed.