To find HIV testing sites near you, visit www.hivtest.org
Free, confidential HIV testing and resources for people with HIV are available locally through a number of providers:
- NOVASalud provides free HIV testing (and other STI screening). Call 703.533.1858 or visit the NOVASalud website.
- Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VA MAP), through Neighborhood Health. For free HIV prevention and treatment drugs, call Neighborhood Health Services at 703.535.5568 or the statewide Medication Assistance Hotline at 1.855.362.0658.
- Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. For HIV services including primary/dental care, call 703.535.5568, ext. 3015 or email rwinfo@neighborhoodhealthva.org.
- To learn about treatment or testing through Alexandria Health Department or make an appointment, call 703.746.4996
For more resources in the Northern Virginia community, please visit the: NOVA Regional Commission HIV Services
HIV/AIDS in Alexandria
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every person between 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. (Persons at higher risk should get tested at least once a year as recommended by their doctor.) HIV screening helps to identify people living with HIV and get those individuals into care. Early treatment can, not only improve the health of that individual, but also significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
HIV is a serious public health issue that affects us nationally and locally. It is estimated that more than 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. today—and 1 in 7 of them don't even know it. It is estimated that this population accounts for almost 40% of ongoing transmissions in the US. The City of Alexandria has the 5th highest rate of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Virginia, and the highest rate of HIV infection in Northern Virginia. And we continue to see a gradual rise in Alexandria's rates of new HIV infections since 2014.