Virginia HIV/AIDS Resources and Consultation Center (VHARCC)

Creating an environment where health equity exists for all.

Celebrating

35 Years

of impact…

2,500+

Clinical professionals Trained

200+

Virginia Based Organizations Trained

15,000+

Individuals Trained

Featured Trainings

(Prevention Counseling Series)

  • Facts (Part 1)

    Information regarding the history of HIV in America; Ending the HIV Epidemic; the lifecycle of HIV; syndemic of HIV; the progression of HIV disease, including viral suppression (U=U); routes of transmission and risk factors for acquiring HIV; common co-morbidity conditions such as STIs, viral hepatitis and TB; diagnostic algorithms for HIV, including conventional blood draws; Opt-Out testing; Rapid Start; availability and effectiveness of treatment for HIV; special populations (women, incarcerated, transgender, adolescence/youth, persons who inject drugs, etc.); Treatment as Prevention (TasP); and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) information.

  • Fundamentals of Counseling (Part 2)

    Providing HIV test results and delivery of reactive test results; assessing HIV/STI risk; risk reduction counseling, including motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care; Status Neutral Prevention; PrEP and referral for negative individuals at risk; PEP; continuum of care with linkage to HIV medical support, including re-engagement; blood borne pathogens; medication adherence training to increase retention in care and antiretroviral medication adherence among HIV positive people; and on-line resources, including local specific to the region.

  • Fundamentals of Waived Rapid (Part 3)

    Education training and observation sign-off to all participants - including an algorithm for testing; preparing/breaking down the HIV test station; conducting finger stick HIV testing (Insti, Determine, Home tests, and any other rapid test technology as identified by VDH); running external quality controls; conducting quality assurance activities and observation of technique, along with HIPAA expectations; reporting for HIV tests to VDH, including partner notification.

  • HIV and Mental Health

    Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and Prevention training – including the importance of Antiviral Therapy (ART) medication adherence and what it takes to achieve undetectable status, and prevention with the spread of HIV.

  • HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Training

    In-depth discussion of HIV disease progression; CD4 and viral load as predictors and treatment management markers, including viral suppression. HIV’s intersection with STIs/HEP, including epidemiology, risk assessment, specimen collection, identification/diagnosis, adherence and management of co-morbidities, and Partner Services for HIV/STIs.

  • Benefits 101

    Training for HIV service providers on enrolling positive clients and those at high risk for HIV into insurance plans (ACA/VMAP) and training for providers in assisting their clients in utilizing insurance. This shall also include SSI, SSDI, housing, food, and pharmaceutical assistance programs.

How can VHARCC help you?

We believe in the power of human- centered education. Our aim is to cultivate nurturing learning environments for healthcare providers and community-based organizations with fostering safety, reflection, and self-discovery. This equips learners with a broader array of skills, enabling them to establish inviting, inclusive spaces where clients can seek care. Beyond mere training, we advocate for improvements in compassion, empathy, humility, and inclusiveness.

Featured Events