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Health Outreach & Advocacy Services prides itself on being culturally-sensitive and welcoming of populations often marginalized and over-looked. 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 email the Testing Team
- Condom Distribution Email Darius
- Already know your status and have questions about medical care, medications or other services? Email Darius
- CHARLII program, including HIV testing, education and case management for those who are incarcerated or recently released Email Jihad
- 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 Marianny
Already know your HIV status and have questions about medical care, medications or other services? Email Darius
HIV/STI Testing–What to Expect
Health Brigade specializes in providing compassionate, non-judgmental and knowledgeable counselors who will be available to help you every step of the way. From start to finish, our test counselors will take the utmost care in assisting you.
We offer FREE screening for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Testing is available by appointment. Appointments can be made by email or by phone. Email Testing Team or call 804-358-6343 x2145.
HIV Testing Rapid HIV tests provide results in 20 minutes by taking some blood from your finger. Results are provided during your appointment. You will 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 We test for gonorrhea and chlamydia with a urine test that gets sent away to a lab. It takes approximately one week for results to come back. 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.
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.
If you are interested in other testing services not listed here, you may try the Richmond City Health District for low cost testing services.
If you have any questions regarding HIV, STIs or other testing options, please Email Testing Team or call (804)358-6343 x2145