Get Tested for HIV: Take the Test, Take Control!

Testing is simple, easy, free, confidential, and the only way to know if you have HIV

NEW CITY, NY, - In observance of National Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing Day, the Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is offering free and confidential rapid HIV tests on: 

• Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 1 pm – 4 pm, at the Rockland County Department of Health, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A, Second Floor, Pomona, New York. 

 A photo ID is required. No appointment is needed. For more information, call (845) 364-3771.

Many people who have HIV can show no symptoms, so they don't get the medical care they need and can pass the virus on to others without knowing it. An HIV test is the only way to find out if you have HIV. Testing is simple, easy, free, private, and quick, with results in 20 minutes! 

“HIV is very treatable, and with early diagnosis and treatment, those living with HIV can now live as long and as well as those without HIV. We encourage County residents to take advantage of this easy and convenient opportunity to get tested for HIV,” said Dr. Chitra Punjabi, Director of TB and Communicable Disease Control at the Health Department.  

HIV infection can lead to AIDS; however, not everyone who has HIV progresses to AIDS. Getting treated early for HIV improves your health, allows your doctor to monitor all aspects of your health and treat you accordingly to prolong your life, and greatly lowers your chance of spreading HIV to others. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, knowing your status can help protect your baby from becoming infected.

Here are some other ways you can get a free HIV test:

• RCDOH Sexual Health Clinic offers free, rapid, and confidential HIV tests, as well as HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to qualifying individuals. For more information and to make an appointment, call (845) 364-3771.
• RCDOH Family Planning Services Clinic offers free, rapid, and confidential HIV tests. For more information and to make an appointment, call (845) 364-2531.
• New York State Department of Health offers a toll-free New York State HIV/AIDS Information Hotline 1-800-541-2437 (Monday - Friday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm).

For more information about HIV, including information about testing, visit the New York State Department of Health webpage. 

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