The New York State Department of Health has marked June 27 as National HIV Testing Day, urging residents to learn their HIV status. The department emphasizes that testing is a key entry point for connecting people to the HIV care continuum and making prevention tools accessible.
“HIV testing is a critical first step in HIV prevention and treatment, and it empowers individuals to take charge of their sexual health,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “On National HIV Testing Day, I encourage everyone to take that first step to learn their status and to talk openly with their partners and health care providers.”
HIV self-test kits are available for those who prefer privacy or convenience at home. Eligible individuals can request a free kit mailed directly to them.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highlighted as an effective medication for preventing the sexual transmission of HIV among those at risk. New York State leads the country in the number of people prescribed PrEP relative to those estimated to benefit from it.
Despite its effectiveness, uptake of PrEP varies across different populations in the state. Access remains lower among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), young men who have sex with men, cisgender and transgender women, and individuals under 40 years old compared to White counterparts. These same groups are experiencing rising rates of new HIV diagnoses.
The AIDS Institute within the Department continues efforts with community partners and healthcare providers to improve equitable access to PrEP statewide. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover costs related to PrEP. For uninsured individuals, the department offers a PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) covering clinical visits and lab tests.
Residents can find local testing locations through the AIDS Institute’s Provider Directory or via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV test locator. More information about the AIDS Institute’s work on HIV is available at health.ny.gov.
