The New York State Department of Health has marked June 27 as National HIV Testing Day, urging residents to know their HIV status. The department highlights that HIV testing is an entry point to the HIV care continuum and connects individuals to prevention resources such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms, and other supportive services.
“HIV testing is a critical first step in HIV prevention and treatment, and it empowers individuals to take charge of their sexual health,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “On National HIV Testing Day, I encourage everyone to take that first step to learn their status and to talk openly with their partners and health care providers.”
The department notes that self-test kits are available for those who prefer learning their status privately at home. Free self-test kits may be available by mail for eligible individuals.
PrEP is described as a safe, affordable, and effective medication that can prevent the sexual transmission of HIV for those at risk. New York State leads the nation in the number of people prescribed PrEP among those estimated to benefit from it.
Despite PrEP’s effectiveness in preventing new infections, uptake rates differ across groups within the state. Lower rates are seen among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities; young men who have sex with men; cisgender and transgender women; and people under 40 years old—groups where new diagnoses are increasing.
The AIDS Institute within the Department continues collaborating with community organizations and healthcare providers to improve equitable access to PrEP statewide. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover costs related to PrEP use.
For uninsured individuals, the department offers a PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) covering clinical visits and lab tests. Additional information on payment options is available through departmental resources.
Testing locations can be found via the AIDS Institute’s Provider Directory or through national resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further details about HIV prevention efforts can be found on the New York State Department of Health website.
