Walgreens across the US are offering free HIV testing next Tuesday for National HIV Testing Day
Greaterthan.org/Walgreens.Walgreens says branches in “areas disproportionately impacted by HIV” are more likely to be offering the testing, along with counselors to provide information on HIV treatment.
Most will offer mobile testing units in parking lots, with pharmacists and further information inside the store.Greater Than HIV is a public information initiative from the public health policy organization, KFF.“This unique community-led effort brings people together in a familiar setting to receive a free HIV test, get the latest on HIV prevention and treatment and connect with local services,” said Tina Hoff, senior vice president, KFF, in a press statement.“Our Greater Than HIV and Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership provides a great opportunity to help people know their HIV status and take action to protect their health.”Harry Webster is a gay pharmacist who has been working for Walgreens for over 20 years.
He’s based in Atlanta, Georgia. He says he has participated in these free HIV testing days for several years. He offers people advice inside the store and encourages them to take advantage of the testing services outside.With over 400 sites involved, Webster tells Queerty this will be the largest National HIV Testing Day yet for Walgreens yet.“In terms of turnout, some areas are better than others.
There’s a site in Augusta, Georgia, and they typically test 400 people on the day, so it’s pretty amazing.”Over half of people living with HIV in the United States are gay and bisexual men.According to the most recent CDC figures, there were 32,000 HIV diagnoses in the US in 2021, which represents a 12% drop from 2017.
