Where to get free HIV/STD testing in New York City?
On December 1st of each year, people around the globe celebrate World AIDS Day, the longest-running disease awareness campaign in history. The date was created in 1988 as a way of paying tribute to the victims of the AIDS epidemic, getting media attention, and helping educate people on HIV prevention.
HIV treatments have evolved for the past four decades, making it possible for people who are HIV positive to live longer, healthier lives by slowing the progression of the virus in their bodies. Today is also possible to prevent getting the virus from sex thanks to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine - and let’s not forget about condoms. However, science has yet to find a cure!
In this battle against HIV, testing is essential. Knowing your status can prevent you from spreading the disease and help you to get early treatment. In New York City, you can find free screening tests in different locations.
When to Get Tested?
If you are having sex, you should get tested at least once a year, according to the NYC Sexual Health Clinic. Men and transgender people who have sex with men, people who have a sex partner with HIV, and people who use PrEP should be tested every three to six months.
If you think you were exposed to HIV, you can get an emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately. PEP can stop a new HIV infection if you start taking it within 72 hours of exposure. To get started on PEP right away, go to a clinic or emergency room, or call the 24/7 NYC PEP Hotline at 844-3-PEPNYC (844-373-7692).
Where to Get Tested?
Callen-Lorde
Address: 356 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011
Website: https://callen-lorde.org/hiv-testing/
Phone: (212) 271-7200
At Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, they offer rapid testing for HIV with results in 20 minutes or less and 99.8% of accuracy. “You can walk in just for HIV testing, or you can ask for an HIV test as part of your appointment with your medical provider. All testing at Callen-Lorde is confidential. For an anonymous testing location, ask the front desk staff or call 1-800-TALK-HIV”.
Out of the Closet
Address: 475 Atlantic ave Brooklyn, NY 11217
Website: https://outofthecloset.org/
Phone: (718) 637-2955
This thrift shop is a fundraiser for AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s life-saving programs. They offer free HIV testing and counseling.
Planned Parenthood
The organization offers free STD tests in multiple locations. You access their website to find the nearest clinic.
NYC Sexual Health Clinic
You can also find free, confidential, anonymous HIV testing by visiting an NYC Sexual Health Clinic. Click here to search the nearest clinic on the NYC Health Map.
Mobile Clinic Vans(During Covid-19)
The NYC Sexual Health Clinic partnered with the Health Department to offer HIV testing and sexual health referral services at mobile clinic vans outside of select Sexual Health Clinics that have been closed due to COVID-19.
Corona, 34-33 Junction Boulevard, Queens
Upcoming schedule: December 7 and 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Central Harlem, 2238 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Upcoming schedule: December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Riverside, 160 West 100th Street, Manhattan
Upcoming schedule: December 7, 14, 21, and 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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