An earlier issue of this week’s newsletter incorrectly identified the date of National HIV Testing Day. National HIV Testing Day occurs on Tuesday, June 27 and has been updated below.

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day

Every year, National HIV Testing Day is observed on June 27 as a day to encourage testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is an infection that weakens the immune system over time. While there currently is no known cure for the virus, early detection is an important step in preventing its spread and ensuring those who test positive are able to live a long, healthy life. The CDC estimates that about 1 in 5 people remain unaware of their HIV status - National HIV Testing Day is the perfect time to change that! 

Recently, there has been a rise of new HIV infections in BRHD. It is now more important than ever to get tested and learn all the ways to stop the spread of HIV. Routine testing and safer sex practices are two of our greatest defenses against the spread of the virus. This National HIV Testing Day, get tested and encourage others to do the same! 

In addition to our usual sexual health education and testing programs, we are hosting two special events on Tuesday, June 27. Both events are located at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville 22903).

• Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – 9:00am-4:00pm, Door 1 

With a simple finger stick, your test results will be ready in just 20 minutes- no appointment needed. 

• Free HIV and Hep C 101 Workshop – 5:30-7:30pm, Door 3 

Learn the basics of HIV and Hep C preventions and management in this workshop designed to answer all of your questions. During the class, staff will also provide free, private HIV and Hep C testing. 

Not able to make it on Tuesday, June 27? Check out all BRHD's testing and education resources on our website.

A New Website for Mental Health Resources

Help Happens Here, the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition's (CMHWC) information and referral website, has been revamped! The updated website helps direct residents to free or low-cost services and resources for: 

• Mental health 
• Substance use 
• Child and family  
• Health and wellness  

The organizations listed span the entire District, covering the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson Counties. Visit HelpHappensHere.org to check out resources near you!

CHWs Providing Office Hours This Summer

BRHD’s Community Health Workers' (CHWs) office hours schedule for the rest of summer is here! During these walk-in office hours, CHWs connect community members with services and resources (like housing or food), provide education on health topics, translation services, and a range of other types of support and assistance. Anyone is welcome, no appointment necessary!  

Visit the BRHD CHW webpage to view the schedules for June – August.

City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County

Louisa County

Fluvanna County

Join the BRHD Team

BRHD is hiring for a Community Health Testing (CHT) Outreach Worker. This position will provide support to the programs and services administered by the HIV services team within the Blue Ridge Health District (Charlottesville City and Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Fluvanna, and Louisa counties). This position will include providing targeted community outreach, performing community-based risk reduction education, conducting rapid testing for HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV), assisting the PrEP Coordinator with maintenance of client caseloads, providing Naloxone Rapid REVIVE! training and distribution, and assisting with the program’s condom distribution program.



Ready to apply? Visit the BRHD Job Opportunities website.