It’s National HIV Testing Day and so, especially today, we emphasize and encourage people to get tested for HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sexually active people and people who use drugs intravenously get tested regularly and include testing as part of their routine healthcare. The Health Department recognizes the importance of testing availability and accessibility so there are many ways that residents can quickly, safely, and confidentiality get tested.
Get tested at Health Center 1
Health Center 1 is the City’s STD clinic where anyone 13 years of age and older can get tested and treated for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. HIV is tested through a quick blood sample by a phlebotomist and your results are given by a social worker. If you test negative, you can speak to the providers about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which is a pill or injection that helps prevent HIV. If you test positive, a social worker will help you schedule an appointment with a provider who specializes in HIV care. If you’ve been exposed to HIV, you can also visit Health Center 1 to speak with providers about receiving PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) within 72 hours of exposure.
All services at Health Center 1 are free. You do not need an appointment so you can visit at your convenience and you only need to bring one form of ID. Health Center 1 is at 1930 S. Broad St., on the 2nd floor, in Philadelphia. For more information and hours, call (215) 685-6570.
Pick up an at-home test at a resource hub
The Resource Hubs are located in five neighborhoods throughout the city. All residents 17 years of age and older can visit a hub and pick up a free at-home HIV test kit.
Residents 17 years old and older are eligible to pick up an at-home test as long as they have not received one in the last three months. Each kit contains one OraQuick In-Home HIV Test. Two informational cards are provided along with the kit. These provide information on next steps after a test result is received, along with guidance on how to interpret the result.
Visit a resource hub near you and pick up an at-home test kit today!
Order an at-home test through the mail
Residents also have the option of checking for HIV in the privacy of their own homes. Residents can visit Philly, Keep On Loving and order a free at-home test kit. All orders are discreetly mailed and contain instructions so you know how to use the test and how to read the results. If you do not live in Philadelphia, you can order HIV tests from getmyhivtest.com.
Request a house call
Residents can be tested for HIV by a healthcare professional in the comfort of their own space by requesting a house call. You must live in Philadelphia in order to request and receive a house call. Residents may request a healthcare professional by visiting Philly, Keep On Loving.
The only way to know your HIV status is by getting tested. This National HIV Testing Day, take advantage of the many ways you can get tested in Philadelphia for free, confidentially, and in the comfort of your own space.
