Free HIV/STD Testing
Below is a list of our upcoming community testing locations where we will be offering free HIV/STD testing, as well as other sexual health supplies. First time testers can receive a FREE $10 Gift Card! Events are open to all community members, however some events do require an appointment.
March 2023:
- March 21st - 1pm to 3pm at UNCW Main Campus, DePaolo Hall Student Health Center, 601 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
- March 27th - 3:30pm to 5:30pm at The Healing Place of New Hanover County at 1000 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401
- An appointment is required for this event. Please contact 910-798-6543 to schedule an appointment.
If you are an agency or organization looking to have HIV/STD testing or sexual health supplies available, please click below to learn more.
- What is HIV? What are STDS?
- What is this program? why is it free?
- Request HIV/STD Testing for your event
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and kills the body’s white-blood cells. There is currently no effective cure, once people get HIV they have it for life. However, with proper medical care and medication, HIV can be controlled. People living with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
HIV is transmitted typically in five ways:
- Blood
- Seminal fluids
- Rectal fluids
- Vaginal fluids
- Breast milk
HIV is considered to be one of many different types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases are spread through different types of sexual intercourse and if left untreated, can have serious health consequences. Some of the most common STDs and related-illnesses are: bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital HPV, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV.
For more information on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of STDs, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
In partnership with NC Department of Health and Human Services, the ITTS program offers free HIV/STD testing to key priority groups in the community in targeted settings. By bringing testing into the community, these services can reach groups in which HIV and other STDs have been underdiagnosed. Infections are underdiagnosed when people do not realize they are at risk for certain infections and diseases.
Quick HIV Facts, according to the CDC:
- In 2020, 30,635 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States and dependent areas.
- An estimated 1,189,700 people in the United States had HIV at the end of 2019. Of those people, about 87% knew they had HIV.
- In 2020, male-to-male sexual contact accounted for 68% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas.
- In 2020, Black/African American people accounted for 42% (12,827) of all new HIV diagnoses.
If you are interested in partnering with us for a testing event, educational outreach, or need supplies, please call our Health Educator at 910-798-6543 or by email at mmcvey@nhcgov.com. Below you will find the Condom Distribution Request Form if you are interested in becoming a permanent condom distribution site with our program.
Our ITTS staff are trained in counseling, testing, and referral (CTR) services to help in many areas, such as providing PrEP referrals, giving positive diagnoses and post-test counseling, providing condoms and sexual health education and prevention methods, and much more!