Disease Prevention Hotline

10/22/2026

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community. Share this post and start preparing now for the next , October 24. www.DEATakeBack.com

10/21/2026

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer—and you can have hepatitis C without looking or feeling sick. Getting tested can help you get the care or treatment you need to protect your liver and lower your risk of liver cancer. Don’t wait for symptoms. Ask your health care provider about hepatitis C testing today: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/about/index.html

10/16/2026

Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Living with a chronic illness, including HIV, can increase the risk of depression. But support is available, and no one should have to face things alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, talk to a health care provider and find resources available to help. Visit us for details: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/other-related-health-issues/mental-health

10/15/2026

Today is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day. 💜🧡💚

Latinx communities are still disproportionately affected by HIV. Today we raise awareness, fight stigma, and encourage everyone to know their status.

Remember: Indetectable = Intransmisible. People living with HIV who take treatment and stay undetectable cannot pass HIV to their sexual partners.

Here’s how you can take action today:
✅ Get tested and know your status
✅ Ask your provider about PrEP
✅ Start a conversation about HIV with your family and friends
✅ Share this post to help end stigma

Juntos podemos acabar con la epidemia del VIH. Together, we can end the HIV epidemic.

10/13/2026

10/09/2026

Happy American Pharmacist Month! This year’s theme, Caring for Our Communities, highlights the incredible dedication of the pharmacy professionals at VDH and at pharmacies across Virginia.

From providing immunizations to naloxone, pharmacists play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and healthy. Let’s celebrate their commitment to caring for us all.

With the Virginia Pharmacy Association and the American Pharmacists Association.

10/08/2026

Healthcare providers: Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver cancer—but testing and prevention can help reduce the risk. Start the conversation today. Encourage testing with your patients and use CDC resources to help prevent liver cancer: https://lnkd.in/dRhz_gKE

10/02/2026

Today is DIS Recognition Day! This year’s theme is “the Rhythm of Public Health,” honoring the harmony that connects collaboration, partnerships, and communities.

DIS are Disease Intervention Specialists. They work with patients to provide resources and education, get them into medical care, and identify others who may have been exposed and need services.

DIS have been instrumental in recent years in responding to rising STI rates, and other needs such as COVID-19. A huge thanks to all the dedicated DIS at VDH! Your work is critical to the health of our Virginia communities.

09/25/2026

True or false: pregnant women should receive HIV testing during their pregnancy?

True!

Perinatal transmission of HIV occurs when HIV passes from the mother to a fetus or baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Testing during pregnancy can help prevent perinatal HIV transmission and keep moms healthier throughout their pregnancy.

Learn more about preventing perinatal HIV and the recommended times to be tested for HIV during pregnancy: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/preventing-perinatal-transmission-hiv-during-pregnancy-and-childbirth

09/24/2026

Syphilis staging? There's an app for that ✅

Frontline providers are likely finding that diagnosing syphilis can be challenging — limited time, competing priorities, and complex diagnostics make it hard to act confidently and quickly. That's why CDC funded this project with the University of Washington, to bring you the Syphilis Tools app.

Syphilis Tools is a new, free app that healthcare providers can use as a clinical reference for syphilis screening, testing, and treatment. It features interactive tools within the app to interpret serologic tests, identify syphilis stages, determine treatment regimens, and monitor titers, all from one app. It even pulls county-based syphilis data to help inform local screening efforts.

The app is now available in the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and online via the National STD Curriculum. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hc0aSX