National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed on February 7 each year.  It exists to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on Black and African American communities.  It was first observed in 1999 and highlights the importance of decreasing stigma and increasing community involvement.  Improving access to HIV education, prevention, testing, and HIV care are focuses of NBHAAD, as well. 

Virginia data 

As is the case across the U.S., Black and African American communities are more impacted by HIV in Virginia.  In 2024, while Black/African American communities made up 19.12% of Virginia’s population, they accounted for 50.2% of new HIV diagnoses and 56% of people with HIV in Virginia that year.  The figure below shows the rate of new HIV diagnoses by race and ethnicity per 100,000 persons.  Using rates allows for the comparison across different population sizes.

You can find additional HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis data on our website. 

Causes 

According to KFF, several challenges may contribute to the epidemic among Black people.  These include experiences with: 

• Higher rates of poverty 

• Lack of access to health care 

• Higher rates of some sexually transmitted infections  

• Lower awareness of HIV status 

• Stigma and discrimination 

Combating Stigma 

How can you help combat stigma?  Talk openly about HIV to help normalize the subject.  This helps others learn about HIV and correct myths and misinformation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a stigma language guide that can help with these talks. 

We can all help end HIV stigma through our words and actions in everyday life.  Be a role model for positive and supportive behavior.  Check out some scenarios from CDC to see how you can model positive behavior when you witness HIV stigma. 

Access testing and prevention services near you 

Free or low-cost HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis testing is available throughout Virginia.  VDH funds local health departments, clinics, and community organizations to offer testing services if you do not have a primary care provider.  To learn more about testing in Virginia or to find testing near you, visit our testing webpage. 

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV is available as a pill taken daily, or a shot taken every other month or every six months.   PrEP prevents getting HIV through sexual contact about 99% of the time when taken as prescribed.  VDH provides funds to locations throughout the Commonwealth to offer HIV PrEP.   

Additionally, there are also post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) options to prevent HIV and STDs.  PEP for HIV involves taking a course of medications to prevent HIV infection.  It is critical that these medications are started within 72 hours of a potential exposure.  DoxyPEP involves taking the antibiotic doxycycline after unprotected sex to prevent getting a bacterial STD.  DoxyPEP is available at most local health departments. 

If you’re interested in PrEP or PEP, visit our PrEP and PEP webpage to learn more or find a PrEP clinic near you.  As noted above, nPEP is extremely time-sensitive, so please call your provider or our hotline if you believe you have been exposed to HIV and need PEP.  To learn more about DoxyPEP, read our DoxyPEP fact sheet. 

VDH’s response 

VDH’s Division of Disease Prevention has multiple programs that address HIV prevention and treatment.  This includes: 

• Funding, oversight, resources, or support to local health departments, community, and/or clinical organizations for: 

• HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis testing programs 

• Patient linkages and referrals 

• Education and outreach programs 

• Comprehensive harm reduction programs 

• PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP distribution 

• Disease intervention services 

• Data collection and follow-up 

• Community planning groups 

Learn more about the services that VDH provides on our website.  If you want to become involved in any of our community groups, visit our Get Involved page. 

Reach out for support 

If you have any questions or need additional support, contact the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline.  Hotline counselors are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  It is closed on Virginia state holidays.   

The hotline number is (800) 533-4148 and is toll free.  

Hotline staff can help connect you to programs and needed resources throughout Virginia.