Highlights

• National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

  National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed on February 7 each year.  It exists to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on Black and African American communities.  It was first observed in 1999 and highlights the importance of decreasing stigma and increasing community involvement.  Improving access to HIV education, prevention, testing, and HIV care are focuses of NBHAAD, as well.  Virginia data  As is the case across the U.S.,…Read more

• Cancer prevention starts with the choices you make every day

  February is National Cancer Prevention Month. This month is a great time to learn about the many ways to prevent or lower your risk for developing cancer.   Cancer prevention starts with the choices you make every day. While not all risks are within our control, every step you take can help create a healthier future.  Avoid Tobacco  Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of cancer.  Smoking and consuming tobacco products is linked to 20 different cancers.   Nearly 20% of all…Read more

• Cervical Cancer Awareness: Prevention is Power

  Cervical cancer is cancer of the cells in the cervix.  Each year, about 13,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 4,000 people die from it.   Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV.  About HPV  There are more than 100 types of HPV. Roughly a dozen are known to lead to cancer. HPV infections cause most cervical cancers.  HPV…Read more