National HIV Testing Day: getting tested is easy

Everyone has an HIV status, and everyone can be empowered to learn or affirm their HIV status by getting tested. Knowing your HIV status lets you take charge of your health – whether or not your test detects HIV, we can help you take the next steps to support your health and the health of your community.

Each June 27 we observe National HIV Testing Day to encourage people to get tested, an easy step we can all take to prevent the transmission of HIV.

Matt Crehan-Higgins, Evergreen’s AVP of Specialty Care, says, “National HIV Testing Day has been recognized since 1995, a time before the advancements for both treatment and prevention that we know today seemed possible. Still, it remains an important annual reminder for anyone who is currently unaware of their HIV status to get tested.”

Matt continues, “HIV Testing Day is also a time when people who are living with HIV and maintaining an undetectable status, as well as people who use PrEP to prevent HIV, are encouraged to affirm their status and reflect on what they do to maintain it. Finally, it’s a time to encourage our friends, partners of all kinds, and community to seek testing and take appropriate action for their health.”

Today, HIV is a manageable chronic illness. By taking anti-retroviral medication, people who are living with HIV can reach undetectable status (meaning that the viral load of HIV can’t be detected or passed to others) and can live full, healthy lives.

What is getting tested for HIV like?

Getting tested for HIV may feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. This HIV Testing Day, we want you to know that HIV testing is fast, easy, and accessible, and that whether you test negative or positive, we can help you take the next steps to care for your health.

HIV testing is fast, confidential and financially accessible at Evergreen and our affiliates, regardless of your insurance status. We offer rapid finger-prick testing, so you get your results within 20 minutes. Same-day testing is usually available, and you can always count on our providers to be understanding, affirming and educational.

If you test positive for HIV, we can start discussing your treatment plan right away. People who are newly diagnosed are encouraged to start treatment right away, and most people reach undetectable status in less than two months of treatment.

In addition to HIV treatment, we provide supportive services for people who are living with HIV to help them reach and maintain an undetectable status. We’re here to care for the whole-person needs of people who are living with HIV so that they can live their fullest, healthiest lives.

If you test negative for HIV and want to greatly reduce your chances of acquiring the virus, your provider can help you get started with PrEP, the prescription medication that when taken as prescribed can prevent you from acquiring HIV.

Evergreen is the leading provider of PrEP in Western New York, and most people who see an Evergreen provider and use our pharmacy pay $0 out of pocket for PrEP. If you’re interested in PrEP, make an appointment with your provider to learn more.

Where can I get tested on National HIV Testing Day?

Evergreen Health

We offer HIV testing every weekday, and same-day appointments are usually available. Call us at 716.847.2441 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

MOCHA – HIV Testing Day Fair

MOCHA Buffalo, Evergreen Health’s program supporting the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ people of color, will be hosting an HIV Testing Day Fair on June 27, from 1-6pm. They’ll be offering free testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, chlamydia and gonorrhea. There will also be refreshments, games, vendors, giveaways and more!

Follow @themochacenter to learn more.

The Pride Center – National HIV Testing Day Celebration

The Pride Center, an affiliate of Evergreen Health supporting the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ communities, will be offering free rapid HIV testing from noon to 6pm. Stop by to get tested, and enjoy music, refreshments, activities and giveaways!

HIV testing is also available at the Pride Center every weekday – visit @thepridecenter to see their walk-in testing hours and information on how to make a testing appointment.

Community Access Services

Community Access Services, an affiliate of Evergreen Health supporting the health and wellness of communities of color, offers HIV testing and counseling every weekday, from 8:30am—4pm. Call CAS at 716.852.5969 to make an appointment.

We’re accepting new primary care patients in Buffalo and Jamestown. Call  716.847.2441 (option 5) or fill out our new patient request form to learn more.