November 26, 2019

HIV/AIDS

Maine Family Planning to offer free HIV testing at 18 locations statewide, Dec. 2-6

Did you know?
38,739 people received an HIV diagnosis in the U.S. in 2017.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community.” As the leading sexual and reproductive health care provider in many Maine communities, Maine Family Planning is excited to honor that theme by offering free HIV testing at all 18 of its health center locations during the first week of December.

The test involves a finger stick to draw a small amount of blood that can be analyzed on-the-spot, with results within 15-20 minutes.

Did you know?
Gay and bisexual men accounted for 66% of all HIV diagnoses.
Heterosexuals accounted for 24% of HIV diagnoses.

You do not have to be a Maine Family Planning patient to get tested. You do not need any form of insurance (but if you have health coverage, let us know). The same-day HIV test is quick, painless, and completely confidential. Your clinician will go over your results, recommend additional testing if necessary, and answer any follow-up questions you may have.

We also offer consultations and prescriptions for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis – commonly called PrEP – a daily pill that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection. You can talk to your clinician about your individual risk, and whether PrEP is a good option for you.

While you’re at the clinic, our non-judgmental health care providers can tell you about other tests you may want to take, including those for common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are on the rise in Maine and nationwide, like chlamydia and gonorrhea.  

Did you know?
The CDC estimates that 1 in 7 people living with HIV are not aware of their diagnosis.
Young people were the most likely to be unaware of their infection. In 2015, among people aged 13-24 who were living with HIV, an estimated 51% didn’t know.

The best way to get peace of mind is to get tested. The experts recommend everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once, and more often if you have certain risk factors.  

Between December 2-6, 2019, free HIV testing will be offered at:

Augusta Family Planning
Bangor Family Planning
Belfast Family Planning
Calais Family Planning
Damariscotta Family Planning
Dexter Family Planning
Ellsworth Family Planning (Tuesday only)
Farmington Family Planning
Fort Kent Family Planning
Houlton Family Planning
Lewiston Family Planning
Machias Family Planning
Norway Family Planning
Presque Isle Family Planning
Rockland Family Planning
Rumford Family Planning
Skowhegan Family Planning
Waterville Family Planning
Most of our clinics are closed between 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm for lunch.

Click here to find our clinic days, hours, and addresses.

If you want to make sure you don’t have to wait, please call ahead to schedule your test: (207) 922-3222.

MFP’s free HIV testing week is made possible through a partnership with the Maine Centers for Disease Control.