RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Did you know that Valentine's Day is also National Condom Day? Richmond-area health officials are reminding local lovebirds to ensure they're protected when celebrating this amorous holiday. Saturday, Feb. 14 is Valentine's Day -- but it's also National Condom Day. To mark t he occasion, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) is encouraging you to pick up some protection alongside boxes of chocolate, bouquets of roses and other Valentine's treats. "Make this Valentine's Day a night to remember, not a diagnosis you want to forget," RHHD said in a Feb. 13 press release. Though you may not find talking about HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) particularly romantic, they are a serious public health concern in Virginia, per the RHHD. Over 54,000 STI cases were reported in the Commonwealth in 2024. Finding love in the age of AI this Valentine’s Day Syphilis, especially among women, is of particular concern. From 2020 to 2024, the rate of newly-diagnosed syphilis cases in women increased 144%, according to the RHHD. During that same time period, newly-diagnosed syphilis cases across all genders spiked by 117% and 65% in Richmond and Henrico, respectively. Congenital syphilis, or cases of syphilis passed from a pregnant person to a baby either during pregnancy or childbirth, also hit a record high in Virginia in 2024, the RHHD said. Total cases have risen steadily over the past five years, with 35 being reported in 2024 -- the highest case count recorded in the Commonwealth in more than three decades. Syphilis, as well as many other STIs, often shows no symptoms -- meaning you can spread it to someone else without even knowing, according to the RHHD. However, there's a simple solution: consistent and correct condom use, which reduces the risk of STIs, as well as unintended pregnancies. "Using a condom is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your sexual health," said RHHD director Elaine Perry in the release. "When used correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing [STIs] such as syphilis and HIV. Add condoms to your list when you are picking up flowers and chocolates. Let romance include protecting your sexual health and your partner's!" Henrico’s ‘Spread the Love’ Valentine’s Day campaign reaches thousands Those in need of condoms can get them for free through Virginia's Condom Distribution Program, an initiative meant to lower the risk of HIV and other STIs across the state. These condoms can be picked up at RHHD or at any of the Virginia Department of Health's (VDH) partner organizations. To find the distribution site nearest to you, click here or call 804-205-3500. You can find more health information on RHHD's website. ...read more read less