UAB’s Family Clinic is encouraging people to find out their HIV status through its free self-testing kits.
(Photography: Steve Wood)According to HIV.gov, approximately 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV, and about 13 percent of those people are unaware of it and need testing.
In observance of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Family Clinic is encouraging all Alabamians to find out their HIV status through the clinic’s free HIV self-testing kits.
“There are residents all across the state of Alabama living with HIV, but many people remain unaware because they have not received an HIV test,” said Tina Simpson, M.D., clinical director at the Family Clinic. “By providing these free self-testing kits, we hope to provide support and assistance to those living with HIV and help them receive the appropriate medical care and treatment they need to live long and healthy lives.”
Those who are interested in a self-testing kit can have it mailed directly to their home free of charge to find out their HIV status. Each test kit requires a sample of saliva and provides users with results within minutes. During the test, patients can call the clinic directly for any questions they may have, and after the test, an HIV counselor will reach out to them with guidance on next steps. Those who test positive will be connected with services and options for care, and those who test negative will receive tips on HIV prevention.
UAB’s Family Clinic is one of the only clinics in the state to offer this service. These kits are available year-round to everyone who is age 14 or older. To order a self-testing kit, call 205-638-9400.