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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Tracey L. Jackson at (864) 274-4178

PIEDMONT CARE INTRODUCES AT-HOME HIV TESTING PROGRAM

HIV testing is key to controlling the spread of HIV. If people cannot get to a medical care provider or community-based organization for HIV testing, Piedmont Care is offering an FDA-approved at-home, self-administered HIV testing option. The CDC is recommending that community-based organizations, like Piedmont Care, consider at-home, self-administered HIV testing as an additional strategy to reach those most affected by HIV, since traditional HIV testing services may be interrupted due to the COVID-19 response.  

The at-home HIV test requires no blood and offers results in 20 minutes. People qualifying for the at-home testing option will also have access to a 24/7 call center and video guide to get answers quickly. 

The Piedmont Care team will also provide:  

- Linkage to care services for people living with HIV

- Follow-up planning and resources

- Condoms and other HIV prevention tools

To see if you qualify to receive an at-home HIV test kit, click here or our website.

According to the CDC, an estimated 250,000 Americans are unaware of their HIV infection. Piedmont Care’s at-home HIV testing program is part of the national Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) campaign. This cross-agency initiative leverages critical scientific advances in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response by coordinating the highly successful programs, resources, and infrastructure of many HHS agencies and offices.  South Carolina is targeted as one of 7 states that have a substantial rural HIV burden – with over 75 cases and 10% or more of their diagnoses in rural areas.

This is a great time to introduce at-home HIV testing to our community. Due to COVID-19, people at risk for HIV infection may be wary of visiting HIV testing locations. The traditional public health care system may be stretched to the limit during this pandemic. The at-home HIV test option helps Piedmont Care continue to address the urgent need for HIV testing and treatment in our community while being responsive to both community and public health needs – Tracey L. Jackson, Executive Director

The Piedmont Care at-home HIV testing program is supported by your donations. The pilot program is supported by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Walgreens, and the Mary Black Foundation. 

Piedmont Care is the nonprofit organization providing HIV and AIDS care, prevention, and advocacy in our community: (864) 582-7773, www.piedmontcare.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.