The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is joining leading HIV prevention organizations in Rhode Island in urging Rhode Islanders between 13 and 64 years of age to get tested at one of three free or low-cost HIV testing events on Tuesday June 27th, National HIV Testing Day.
Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 years old should be tested for HIV at least one time. People who have unprotected sex or who share injection drug paraphernalia should get tested at least once a year. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (for example, every 3 to 6 months).
"These HIV testing events are perfect opportunities for every Rhode Island teenager and adult to learn his or her HIV status and, if need be, get connected to vital medical care," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. "As part of our commitment to the 90-90-90 Campaign, our goal is that by 2020, 90% of Rhode Islanders who are infected with HIV know their status, are getting medical care, and have suppressed viral loads. Testing is particularly important in the communities where we see higher rates of HIV, such as among African Americans and Latinos, and in the community of men who have sex with men."
The free or low-cost HIV testing events will be offered at the following locations: • AIDS Care Ocean State: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; 557 Broad St., Providence (Walk-in testing or by appointment) • AIDS Project Rhode Island: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; 9 Pleasant St., Providence (Testing services are offered in Spanish and Portuguese too.) • Project Renew Drop-In Center: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; 105 Dodge St., Providence (This testing site is for high-risk women and is located in a basement office at the First Tabernacle Church. Enter in the rear of the building near the pink sign.) Rhode Islanders who do not have primary care doctors, who do not have insurance, or who may not be able to afford testing may take advantage of free or low-cost HIV testing offered through RIDOH's year-round partnerships with community organizations. A listing of HIV testing sites is available online.