Our Confidential HIV Counseling and Testing
First offering HIV counseling and testing in 1986, CHN has been a pioneer in integrating testing within routine clinical care. CHN provides opt-out HIV counseling and testing as a routine part of primary care delivery at all of the agency’s centers. HIV Counselors provide pre- and post-test counseling, administer the test, and provide linkage to primary care, and extensive follow-up for those who test positive. Staff do extensive outreach and off-site HIV screening at community events and non-traditional venues such as bars, salons, and parks.
HIV Testing Basics
Why :
Many people are frightened by the idea of getting tested for HIV. Yet knowledge truly is power. It is better to know your status than to not know.
The benefits of knowing your status:
- Early treatment can greatly improve your long term health.
- Knowing you are positive may help you change behaviors that would put yourself and others at risk.
- You will know whether or not you can infect others.
- Women and their partners considering pregnancy can take advantage of treatments that potentially prevent transmission of HIV to the baby.
- If you test negative, you will feel less anxious and worried.
- Still not convinced? Read on for more information from AVERT, AIDS.org, and The Body.
Who :
All people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation may be at risk of contracting HIV. Regular testing is a crucial part of our fight against HIV.
Testing is especially important if you fit any one of the below descriptions…
- Have had unprotected sex
- Are sexually active (3 or more sexual partners in the last 12 months)
- Are uncertain about your sexual partner’s risk behaviors
- Have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), including pelvic inflammatory disease
- Have shared drug injecting equipment
- Have been directly exposed to HIV during a medical procedure or at work
- Are pregnant or about to get pregnant.
Where :
All of our CHN centers and our mobile clinic conduct HIV tests. All CHN centers offer no-cost confidential HIV counseling and testing. All interactions and follow-up communications are private, confidential and safe.
When :
Anytime during regular clinic hours. See your nearest center’s operating hours for more details. Call in advance to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
What :
The Test: There are two ways people can learn their HIV status…
- A traditional blood test
- Rapid test (saliva or finger stick), where the results are known within 20 minutes
Post-Testing Counseling and Referrals:
Post-test counseling appointments are made following the testing visit. Counseling includes an explanation of the HIV test result, assistance in coping emotionally with both negative and positive results, an explanation of modes of transmission and HIV prevention methods. HIV/AIDS literature is given, a transmission reduction plan is discussed, voluntary partner notification is encouraged, and an individual follow-up plan is made. Since HIV transmission can occur during pregnancy, female patients are counseled on their options regarding current or future pregnancies.
For positive results, a thorough explanation of the partner notification plan is given and assistance with partner notification is discussed as per the New York State Partner Notification and Names Reporting Law. Assistance with partner notification is offered and domestic violence screening is conducted in case the patient decides to notify his/her partners.
All patients are offered assistance with scheduling appropriate medical care and enrolling in HIV support services.
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