Since 2011, KFF’s Greater Than HIV and Walgreens have partnered with health departments and community organizations to deliver more than 82,700 free rapid HIV tests in stores and through self-test distribution on National HIV Testing Day, June 27. Local counselors also provide the latest in prevention and treatment and make referrals to PrEP and HIV care.
Largest HIV Testing Partnership in the U.S.
The 2023 Greater Than HIV / Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership (NHCP) saw the highest number of participating Walgreens stores in the program’s 14-year history.
More than 265 testing partners were on site in 443 Walgreens stores in 273 cities across the nation on June 27th providing free HIV testing and referrals for PrEP and HIV care. With a priority on high-need areas, the 2023 NHCP included 52 of 57 Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) regions.
To date, the NHCP has provided more than 82,100 free HIV tests, including 66,800+ in-store and 15,300+ self-tests donated in 2020 / 21 to expand access during COVID. Many more have been reached with informational resources about the latest in prevention and treatment.
A Model Public-Private Partnership
The CDC has reported a drop in HIV testing during COVID-19, including declines of nearly 50 percent among groups disproportionately affected by HIV. To compensate for HIV testing and diagnoses missed during COVID-19, as well as to close the gaps in access, the CDC encourages partnerships with state and local health departments and CBOs.[1] Precisely the type of unique public-private partnership model fostered by KFF and Walgreens over the past decade with the NHCP.
In addition to providing accessible HIV testing in the familiar environment of a local Walgreens, the 2023 NHCP provided a particularly important re-engagement opportunity for the testing partners with the communities they serve. Nine in 10 say participation helps their organization engage their community about the importance of HIV testing and that it raises visibility for their organization in the community.
“[The NHCP] is so important to our organization as it allows us to engage with our community on a wider level. It helps us to increase access to care for those who are unaware of our services…This event helps us to establish a continuum of care for many vulnerable members of our community.” – Central Illinois Friends (Peoria, IL)
To learn more about the Greater Than HIV / Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership, including how to get involved in the 2024 activation, please email community@kff.org.
Together, we can end HIV!
[1] CDC, Press Release: HIV Testing Dropped Sharply Among Key Groups During First Year of COVID-19 Pandemic, June 24, 2022