National HIV Testing Day is June 26!
When the first test for HIV became available in 1985, it was known how HIV was spread, but not how to treat it. Thirty years later, there are now three dozen medications to treat HIV. People at high risk for HIV infection can take 1 pill a day to prevent getting HIV. It is called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. For people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%. Learn more about PrEP effectiveness at Virginia > AIDS Let’s talk About PrEP.
Getting an HIV test has never been more important. Most new HIV infections occur among persons who are unaware of their HIV status. Early detection of HIV is crucial for HIV-positive persons to remain in good health. For this reason, the CDC recommends that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested at least once in their lifetime. CDC recommends those that may be at higher risk get tested more often.
Tomorrow, several Hampton Roads area non-profits are sponsoring testing events and other activities, offering both free and low-cost options with some results ready in as little as one minute. For example, the LGBT Life Center (formerly known as ACCESS AIDS Care/LGBT Center of Hampton Roads) is hosting a free Summer Block party and cookout at it’s Prevention/Testing offices located at 1001 Monticello Ave. in Norfolk from 5-8 p.m. This is one of many activities planned to recognize National HIV Testing Day on June 27th, take some time out of your day to get your test for HIV at one of Hampton Road’s AIDS/HIV service agencies listed below.
Hampton Roads Area Agencies Offering Free or Low-Cost HIV Testing and Counseling
A Hope 4 Tomorrow Incorporated – 9229 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23503, Ph: 757-828-8848
Urban League of Hampton Roads – 830 Goff St., Norfolk, VA 23504, Ph: 757-226-7589
LGBT Life Center – 248 W 24th St., Norfolk, VA 23517, Ph: 757-640-0929
International Black Womens Congress Incorporated – 645 Church St., Ste. 200, Norfolk, VA 23510 Ph: 757-625-0007
Norfolk Department of Health – 830 Southampton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510 Ph: 757-683-2767
Virginia Beach Department of Public Health – 4452 Corporation Ln., Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Ph: 757-518-2745
Virginia League for Planned Parenthood – 515 Newtown Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Ph: 757-499-7526/800-230-7526
Portsmouth Health Department – 1701 High St., Ste 102, Portsmouth, VA 23704 Ph: 757-393-8585
Urban League of Hampton Roads Incorporated – 1300 Thomas St., Ste. E, Hampton, VA 23669 Ph: 757-224-8085
Chesapeake Health Department – 748 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320 Ph: 757-382-8617
Hampton Health Department – 3130 Victoria Blvd., Hampton, VA 23661 Ph: 757-727-1172
Minority AIDS Support Services – 3110 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, Virginia 23607 Ph: 757-247-1879
Southeastern Virginia Health System – 1033 28th St., 2nd Fl, Newport News, VA 23607 Ph: 757-952-2160
Virginia League for Planned Parenthood – 403 Yale Dr., Hampton, Virginia 23666 Ph: 757-826-2079/800-230-7526
Peninsula Health District – 416 J Clyde Morris Blvd. Newport News, VA 23601 Ph: 757-594-7400
Walgreens Offering INSTI HIV Antibody Testing
Six area Walgreens stores are offering INSTI, an HIV antibody test that gives results in 60 seconds. Testing is available on a walk-in basis during the hours when a specially qualified pharmacist is on-duty; therefore, testing hours may vary, and it is recommended that you call the pharmacy before traveling to the store.
Tidewater Area Walgreen’s Stores Offering INSTI
- 500 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, VA 23669-4031(757) 723-7614
- 14400 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23608(757) 874-5084
- 2232 E. Little Creek Rd., Norfolk, VA 23518(757) 480-4116
- 3633 Bridge Rd., Suffolk, VA 23435-1807(757) 686-4793
- 3364 Princess Anne Rd., #501, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-2610(757) 468-5879
- 1309 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185(757) 229-0962
For additional information about how to stay healthy with PrEP or HIV Testing Day, please the Virginia Department of Health’s website.
