COVID-19 and the concerns related to leaving home have had an impact on more than socialization. Individuals who may be at risk for HIV and are concerned about the coronavirus may opt to stay home rather than be tested.
AIDS Resource has begun a new campaign, aimed at reaching these individuals who reside in the agency’s 10-county coverage area. The campaign begins Tuesday and will run through Jan. 29.
The requirements for individuals in the coverage area to receive a test are: the individual must be age 18 or older and have participated in risky activities that could lead to HIV. The following counties are in the coverage area: Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Lycoming, Snyder and Union.
To request a test, visit aidsresource.com or call the agency’s Williamsport office at 570-322-8448.
The stay-at-home orders and quarantining that occurred during 2020 and continue in other states have limited AIDS Resource’s testing efforts, according to Kirsten Burkhart, agency executive director. “It’s important for those at-risk of contracting HIV to know their status, but we also must do our part to keep people safe from the pandemic,” she said. “This initiative affords us the opportunity to do both.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people choose to stay home to protect themselves from getting sick. To meet clients where they are, the organization has worked diligently to adjust its services to accommodate those at home.
Making at-home HIV tests available has the additional benefit of allowing residents of rural areas who cannot easily reach a testing location to have the opportunity to be tested as well.
Once a request is received, a testing specialist will see if a test is right for the individual. Kits will be mailed to their home by Priority Mail 24 hours after the request is submitted. Curbside pickup can also be arranged. Each kit has an OraQuick HIV test, information about AIDS Resource’s services and educational materials about HIV in English and Spanish.
According to information from AIDS Resource, the OraQuick test is an oral test; there is no blood involved. The test-taker will swipe the oral swab over their gums once and then place it in the test tube filled with liquid. It will take 20 minutes for the results to develop.
The test will detect if there are HIV antibodies in the individual’s saliva, which is a sign a person is HIV positive.
If the test reads positive, it is highly recommended the individual take the next step, which is to visit either AIDS Resource or their primary care physician to take a second test, intended to verify the results. If the results are negative, an agency testing specialist can be contacted to provide information on HIV prevention.
