Free HIV Screenings on Sunday, Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and in observance, AIDS Project Rhode Island is offering special hours for free, anonymous rapid HIV testing at its 9 Pleasant St. location in Providence.

Open to people of all colors, the screenings are being offered in observance of the day that puts a spotlight on the toll HIV and AIDS is taking on African American community, which experiences the most severe burden of HIV nationally. Here in Rhode Island, the African American and Hispanic communities experience a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

AIDS Project Rhode Island is joining with National Black Leadership on AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control, the Black AIDS Institute and other organizations in participating in National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

The national theme is “I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS.” A supporting theme is “Get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated.”

The free screenings will be offered from noon until 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis. No blood is drawn, and results are available in 20 minutes.

Anyone wishing to be tested is welcome. Testing will be available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone between 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. “HIV testing should take place more often if you are engaging in risky behavior, such as sharing needles or engaging in unprotected sex,” said Stephen Hourahan, AIDS Project Rhode Island’s executive director. The organization offers an “HIV Risk Quiz” under the “Get Tested” drop-down menu on its website www.aidsprojectri.org.

In addition to testing, information will be available about treatment to reduce the risk of HIV infection, Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is an HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus. PEP is an HIV prevention strategy where HIV-negative individuals take HIV medications after coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected.

AIDS Project Rhode Island regularly offers free, anonymous, rapid HIV, and Hepatitis C, walk-in testing Tuesdays 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Appointments are also available and can be made by calling 401-831-5522 ext. 3824 or emailing takecharge@aidsprojectri.org.

AIDS Project Rhode Island provides free, anonymous, rapid testing at neighborhood locations in the United Way 2-1-1 Outreach RV. To view a calendar with dates, times and locations, click here.

AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division of Family Service of Rhode Island.

Providence’s Gilbert Augustave, AIDS Project RI employee and New England Tech student, helps to spread the word about the importance of getting educated, tested, involved and treated. Photo credit: AIDS Project RI