PHILADELPHIA–Each year, America observes National HIV Testing Day on June 27th, raising awareness about the importance of testing for HIV and getting an early diagnosis. Also called NHTD, this day is crucial for encouraging people to know their status, and to get the HIV
treatment or prevention resources they need to continue living their healthiest lives.
Disparities: Nearly twice as many Black gay, bisexual, and other same gender loving men (MSM) have never been tested for HIV compared to White MSM in Philadelphia
While the number of HIV negative MSM, women of trans experience (WTE), and transgender persons who have sex with men (TSM) who have had an HIV test in the past year is consistently above 75%, many individuals at increased risk for HIV in these groups should be tested every three months. Just 4 in 10 HIV negative MSM had an HIV test in the past 3 months, with less than 3 in 10 MSM age 40 and older reporting an HIV test in the past 3 months.
There is an active outbreak of HIV among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Philadelphia, yet data from 2022 suggests that about half of PWID in Philadelphia had not gotten an HIV test in the previous year. An online survey of MSM and TSM in Philadelphia found having a recent HIV test was associated with having insurance, being comfortable discussing sex with your provider, and lower perceived discrimination against people with HIV. It’s important that Philadelphians know that 1) free HIV testing and care is available to them, 2) they have a choice in who their provider is, and 3) they can have a rapid HIV test mailed to them in discrete packaging for free.
To find sexual wellness education resources, free testing locations, and mail-order HIV and other STI tests, visit PhillyKeepOnLoving.com
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
Learn about PrEP!
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a great way for people without HIV to take control of their health and reduce their chances of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use. PrEP is a medication that can be taken as a pill or injectable and is safe and effective for preventing HIV when taken regularly. To learn more about PrEP or to find a local PrEP provider, visit www.phillykeeponloving.com/prep.
Get Tested!
Courage Medicine
On Tuesday, June 27, Courage Medicine will be offering free HIV testing along with full STI screens at Connell Park in Southwest Philadelphia from 5pm to 7pm. They will have a pop-up tent, music, and hot dogs on the grill.
On Wednesday, June 28th Courage will be at Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia offering HIV testing, STI screening, and food distribution with a local partner.
Positive Effect Outreach Ministries
National HIV Testing Day they will be conducting mobile testing all day at several sites and will promote the National HIV Testing Day message at those sites. They plan to promote testing in neighborhoods surrounding 3234 N. Front Street site on that day as well.
Walgreens and Greater Than HIV
Walgreens and Greater Than HIV, a public information initiative of KFF, along with hundreds of health departments and community organizations, are providing FREE HIV testing, counseling, and information in more than 420 Walgreens stores across 38 states, DC and Puerto Rico.