NHTD/Walgreens Free In-Home HIV Testing

HIV testing may look different, but it’s still available!

With in-person health services limited due to COVID-19, providers are shifting to new ways of keeping their communities healthy.

To support expanded HIV testing options, Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens, along with OraSure Technologies, are donating 10,000 OraQuick In-Home HIV Tests to community partners. Local health agencies and community-based organizations will begin distributing the FDA-approved, self-administered tests this summer at no cost to those unable to get tested in person.

Check back for more information about participating agencies. In the meantime, use the locator below to find HIV testing organizations in your area. Call ahead to find how testing is being provided. Some may already be offering HIV self-tests, along with scheduled in-person or mobile unit testing.

Some health departments and local agencies are providing FDA-approved self-tests at no cost to those unable to get tested in person. Click here to find FREE HIV self-testing programs near you.

HIV Self-Tests

It’s fast and easy. Just a swab of the mouth and 20 minutes later you have your results. The tests can be taken at home or anywhere that is convenient.

If you get your HIV self-test from a local agency, counseling will usually be provided before and after testing.  HIV self-tests can also be purchased over-the-counter in most drug stores (retail price is usually around $40).

Delaware Free In-Home HIV Test Overview 4

If my HIV test is negative...

Consider your ongoing HIV prevention strategy. This may include PrEP, a once-daily pill that is highly effective in protecting against HIV.

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should schedule a follow-up test. The “window” period when HIV antibodies are detected by a test can take up to 12 weeks after exposure.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, PEP – post exposure prophylaxis – may be an option.

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If my HIV test is positive...

A positive HIV self-test needs to be confirmed by a blood test in medical setting.

If the follow-up test is also positive, you will start daily antiretroviral medication to lower your viral load. While not a cure, it is possible to reduce the viral load to levels undetectable by lab tests.

When HIV is undetectable it cannot be passed to others through sex.

With ongoing treatment, you can live a healthy, normal lifespan.

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Let's Talk About HIV Testing! written in white in a light blue speech bubble

Let’s Talk About HIV Testing – General Page Promotion

Who should get tested for HIV? How often to get tested? What kind of tests are available?

Get answers to these and more frequently-asked questions about HIV and STD testing. Also find FREE and low-cost testing near you.

Watch videos of real people sharing why they get tested.

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About the GTA/WAG Partnership - NHTD Free At Home Testing Page 8

About the GTA/WAG Partnership – NHTD Free At Home Testing Page

A public-private partnership with health departments and community organizations to expand HIV testing and information.

More than 57,000 free HIV tests have been provided in Walgreens stores in support of National HIV Testing Day (June 27) since 2011. In response to COVID-19, the 2020 in-store activation was replaced with a FREE HIV-self test program.

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