HIV, Hep C, and STD Testing: Free & Easy
Have you ever wondered where to go for an HIV test? Does your regular doctor offer anonymous testing, so your name is not known? Do they provide counseling about risk assessment, prevention, safe sex, condoms, and other important information? Do you know where HIV testing is free?
The Austin-Travis County Health Department offers HIV testing at many places around Austin, plus scheduled testing in various bars and clubs. Testing may be done using a false name (anonymous) or your real name (confidential). A trained HIV counselor will help you make an informed decision about testing and will give you an appointment in 1-2 weeks to come back for your test result. To ensure confidentiality, the result will only be given to you in person.
If the test result is negative, the counselor will talk with you about how to stay safe and answer any other questions you may have.
If the test result is positive, the counselor will tell you how to get appropriate medical care and counseling and about other resources available for HIV-positive people. Written backup information also is provided, so you can refer to it when you need to.
Call 972-5580 to make an appointment for a free HIV test. For individuals in certain kinds of risk, free hepatitis C testing may also be offered. Evening appointments are available.
Testing for other sexually transmitted diseases is also available through the Health Department by calling 972-5430.
– Austin/Travis County Health Department
This article appears in November 1 • 2002.