Where To Get Free And Confidential HIV Testing In Your Area (No Insurance Needed)
The path to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic starts with each and every one of us.
People across the country now have tools at their disposal to protect themselves in the effort to eradicate this virus, and that begins with getting tested for HIV.
It’s important to know whether you have HIV so you can take the necessary steps to either stay HIV negative or to access the medical treatments needed for your health and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
Getting Tested
Regardless of where you live or how you’re insured, you have access to free and confidential testing.
For free at-home swab tests, you can order them from organizations like Together TakeMeHome, which is supported by several non-profits, research groups, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For in-person testing, you can search on the HIV.gov website for a map of HIV testing locations near you, which may include doctors’ offices, community-based groups, and non-profit clinics. HIV screening is required by law to be covered by health insurance without a co-pay. For those without health insurance, many communities have testing available at either a low or no cost.
What happens if I test positive?
If your HIV test is positive, your information remains confidential. According to HIV.gov, the testing site will report the results to your state health department, so officials can keep track and address the prevalence of HIV in their communities and respond accordingly.
Your personal information is stripped from your test results and sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track health trends, HIV.gov states.
If you test positive for HIV/AIDS, it’s also important to know that you are protected against discrimination the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Affordable Care Act.
It’s important to consult with your doctor about the next steps to manage your status. There are many safe and effective medication options for those living with HIV.
Building community
Leandro Rodriguez, Vice President of Programs at the Latino Commission on AIDS, recommends finding an organization or program that can serve as a resource for counseling, community building, and connection to vital healthcare services.
Because of the stigma against HIV/AIDS and its patients, there is more work to be done in educating our neighbors and loved ones about the care and resources available to them.
“Agencies like ours and many other agencies are there to advocate for the clients,” he said.
“If you’re finding it difficult, maybe you’re in Texas, or maybe you’re in Minnesota and you’re finding it difficult to find an agency, give us a call. It will help. We have a network, and we can definitely navigate people to those resources.”
