The Shelby County Health Department has started a pilot program that will provide free at-home HIV tests to residents 14-years-old and older.
A part of the department’s “Know Your Status” HIV awareness campaign, the tests can be ordered privately through a secure online portal. The goal of the program is to increase testing, while minimizing the stigma around the sexually transmitted disease.
“This new campaign and program will also open the door for conversation about sexual health education and the importance of a person knowing their status. Knowing your status starts with testing and empowers you to take steps to protect your health,” said Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor.
The rapid result tests will be delivered in 1–3 business days. A new test can be requested every six months.
Community partners will also be made available to residents who test positive. They will be provided with treatment options by health care providers like Regional One Health and the Memphis Health Center Inc., along with nonprofit options like Friends for All and Christ Community Health Services.
New cases of infection in Shelby County are five times the national average. Tennessee Department of Health estimates reflect a 36% increase since 2018. The problem is particularly acute among teens and young adults in the Metro Memphis area, which has the second highest rates of new infections in the nation. New cases among the latter demographic rose by 40% over the same time span.
To order a free HIV test, visit https://901hivtesting.com/. English and Spanish language options are available.
