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Health Outreach & Advocacy Services prides itself on being culturally sensitive and welcoming of populations often marginalized and overlooked. From persons of color to LGBTQ individuals to those who are incarcerated or recently released, Health Outreach & Advocacy Services has programming designed with accessibility in mind.
We practice what we preach, too. Diversity is so greatly valued at Health Brigade that our staff mirrors and is very much representative of the individuals and communities we serve.
Program areas include:
- HIV/STI testing appointments, questions and/or information please call 804-358-6343 x 2145.
- CHARLII program, including HIV testing, education and case management for those who are incarcerated or recently released Email Isaac
- Needle Exchange/Comprehensive Harm Reduction Call 804-358-6140 or Email Colin or Email Dziko
- Ryan White Part B Services
- Transgender Health Services and LGBTQ+ Support & Advocacy Email Jordin
HIV Testing & Information
If you’ve ever had unprotected sex or shared a needle with anyone for any reason—even someone you know and trust—you may be at risk for contracting HIV/STI.
Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of their status because they have not been tested. Studies show that someone who is HIV positive and unaware of his or her HIV status is more likely to infect others. It’s important to know your HIV status. Some people have no symptoms for other STIs. Getting tested is the only way to know.
Are you interested in PrEP? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a once-daily pill regimen that can help you stay HIV-negative. Email Carolina
Already know your HIV status and have questions about medical care, medications or other services? Email Aicha
HIV/STI Testing–What to Expect
Health Brigade specializes in providing compassionate, non-judgmental and knowledgeable test counseling services. From start to finish, our test counselors will take the utmost care in assisting you and will be available to help you every step of the way.
We offer FREE screening for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. If any infection is identified through our screenings, you will receive a referral for FREE treatment. The process, from test to treatment, usually is completed within 4-5 business days. Testing is available by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 804-358-6343 x2145.
If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe are STI related and would like information for more immediate treatment options or have more questions about our process, please call 804-358-6343 x2145.
HIV Testing
Rapid HIV tests provide results in just 1 minute by taking some blood from your finger. Results are provided during your appointment. If a test comes back positive, we perform a second rapid test to confirm that result. For positive results, we have staff available to discuss what that means and to connect you to medical care and other support services. All clients receive counseling before and after the test to ensure you understand your results and so you can discuss any risk factors you may have.
Gonorrhea & Chlamydia Testing
Gonorrhea and chlamydia screening should be done at any place on the body that unprotected activity has happened, so we offer oral, rectal, and urine screening for these infections. It takes approximately 3-4 business days for the results to come back to us. We will contact you with positive results and refer you to treatment. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia, it is best that you go to the Richmond City Health District or your primary care provider for more immediate assistance.
Syphilis Testing
Syphilis testing is completed with a blood draw and results take approximately 3-4 days to come back to Health Brigade. We will contact you with positive results and refer you to treatment.
Hepatitis C
Health Brigade offers a Hep C Testing and Treatment Program for those with appropriate risk factors. We offer rapid testing with same day results. If this first test is positive, you will be offered confirmatory testing as well as the assistance of a Care Navigator to help with linkage to a provider and treatment.
If you are interested in other testing services not listed here, (Herpes, HPV, Trich) you may try Richmond City Health District for low-cost testing services.