Sexual Health Matters Year-Round

Published on September 28, 2026

As Sexual Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Arlington Public Health reminds our community that sexual health is an important part of overall health and well-being. We offer testing, treatment, prevention services, and support to help people stay healthy and informed, including new PrEP services launching October 15.

The Public Health Professionals Behind the Scenes: Disease Intervention Specialists

Many people have never heard of Disease Intervention Specialists, but they protect our community's health every day.

These public health professionals work with people diagnosed with STIs, like HIV and syphilis. They help people understand diagnoses, answer questions, and connect them to care. They also confidentially notify sexual partners who may have been exposed so they can get tested and treated.

Disease Intervention Specialists also reduce stigma by meeting people where they are and providing support without judgment. Their work combines public health, education, counseling, and investigation.

"It's important for me to build trust and maintain confidentiality to help community members feel comfortable sharing their needs so we can connect them and their partners to care and local resources," said Jackelin Castro-Felix, a Disease Intervention Specialist with Arlington Public Health. 

By connecting people to care early, Disease Intervention Specialists help keep infections from spreading. Their impact often goes unseen by the people they protect.

Sexual Health Services in Arlington

Arlington Public Health offers STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, vaccines, and prevention services. Our clinic makes care more accessible:

• No one is turned away.
• You do not have to live in Arlington to use our clinic.
• Costs are based on your income, using a sliding fee scale.
• Patients without health insurance can still get care.

Coming Soon: PrEP Services

On October 15, Arlington Public Health will launch a new PrEP service.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that helps prevent HIV in people who are HIV-negative. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV through sexual contact.

PrEP is for anyone who wants extra protection from HIV. It may be especially helpful for people with a partner living with HIV, people who do not always use condoms, people who have been diagnosed with an STI in the past six months, and others who may be at risk for HIV.

Arlington Public Health will offer PrEP as a daily pill. You do not need to live in Arlington to get PrEP. If you do not have health insurance, or choose not to use it, we offer a sliding fee scale based on income.

PrEP is one of the most effective tools available to prevent HIV and can be an important part of your sexual health.

Have questions about PrEP? Call the STI/PrEP Coordinator at 703-228-1214.

Take Care of Your Sexual Health

Learn about STI testing, treatment, and other services on our STI Services page. Ready to make an appointment? Call 703-228-7444.