With most community-based HIV testing on pause, it is important to be able to offer HIV testing to those in need. What to do?
There is an option.
OraSure Technologies offers an at-home self-administered test that is FDA approved, very accurate, and gives results in 20 minutes. You can administer this test yourself, and there is plenty of telephone support available.
The CDC is recommending that local Health Departments and ASOs ramp-up the availability of self-testing for HIV since many of us are not engaged in point-of-care testing due to COVID-19. In a “Dear Colleague” letter dated April 28, the CDC states,
“Health departments and community-based organizations are encouraged to provide residents of their service areas with self-test kits and have them shipped to their homes or other locations, and if the test is positive, information regarding linkage to care should be provided. This information is already included in the package insert for the FDA-approved self-test.”
Samaritan Ministry is committed to this effort, particularly in East Tennessee.
If you know of someone who would benefit from this technology, please have them contact us at samaritancentral@gmail.com. We will supply a rapid home testing kit at no charge, mailed discreetly.
If you are interested in knowing more about HIV self-testing, you can watch a great webinar at this address – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kosVja3t6YQ&feature=youtu.be
If you have questions, please contact Samaritan Ministry at 865-450-1000 ext. 827.
