In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, health officials in Richmond and Henrico County are urging residents to get tested and learn about prevention methods.

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts emphasize the importance of regular HIV testing and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment.

“You are your own best reason for prevention,” said RHHD Health Educator Bellamy Riley. “Prevention is not always about what you’re doing. Sometimes it’s about what is going on in your community.”

RHHD offers HIV testing at its Cary Street, Henrico East, and Henrico West Clinics. Appointments can be made by calling (804) 205-3501. The health districts also provide testing at Mosby, Gilpin and Southwood Resource Centers.

In addition to public health services, Walmart is launching free HIV screenings at select Richmond-area pharmacies starting Thursday, June 27. Three locations will offer the service: 5001 Nine Mile Road, Henrico; 2410 Sheila Lane, Richmond; and 12200 Chattanooga Plaza, Midlothian.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 13% of Virginians with HIV are unaware of their status. This year’s National HIV Testing Day theme, “Level up your self-love: check your status,” aims to encourage testing as an act of self-care. Health officials stress that HIV testing should be part of regular health check-ups and can be done at doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies, and community organizations.

For more information about HIV testing and prevention, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/.