The Ryan White program is now offering self-test kits for those who believe they may have been exposed to HIV or are at high-risk for exposure through sexual activity or sharing injection drugs. These kits are free, rapid HIV testing kits for personal use at home. Available to any resident in Essex, Hamilton, Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, you do not need to be a Hudson Headwaters patient.

• These kits can be picked up or delivered – to be determined on an individual basis – and include the Oraquick test kit, health information pamphlets, contact card, and some fun stuff: stress ball, fun putty, fun figures, and condoms, all in a discrete plain brown paper bag.
• Before receiving your kit, individuals will engage in a brief review of testing, risk reduction counseling and registration.
• To qualify for a self-test kit, individuals must register via phone, text, or email and agree to report results to contact. We are also readily available to answer questions.
• The test is an oral swab with step by step directions (for more information visit oraquick.com) and takes 20 minutes. Tester must be sure not to eat or drink anything including smoking, gum, candy, etc. for at least 15 minutes prior to the swab.
• After reporting your results, including a photo of your test results, to your Ryan White contact you will receive a $10 Stewart’s card!
• In the event of a reactive test the Ryan White Program will immediately assist by providing lab order for a confirmatory test, support and test counseling, and appointment with a specialist provider with the goal of same day treatment start, and a review of and assistance with insurance coverage for medications and appointments.

If interested in receiving a Self-Test Kit, call or text Melissa Carbone at 518-669-6899 or email at mcarbone@hhhn.org.