The city of Indianapolis and local nonprofit Step-Up Inc. have partnered to offer free testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.
It happens every second Thursday of the month, including Dec. 14. The testing site at the overpass of Interstate-70 and Kentucky Avenue primarily serves the homeless population from a nearby encampment, though anyone who visits the location between 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. can get free testing.
“Everyone should get tested every three months,” said Conner Tiffany, the director of prevention at Step-Up, which also offers free daily testing at its offices at 4755 Kingsway Drive.
HIV rates in Central Indiana were up by 7.5% in 2022, according to Marion County Public Health Department data. Marion County had the highest incidence rate with 24 cases per 100,000 people.
Certain groups have a higher risk of infection, including men with male sexual partners, African Americans and Hispanic people. Young people ages 20 to 24 and 25 to 34 have the highest HIV rates, Tiffany said, but are less likely to get tested monthly.
“We do know that stigma is a reason many people withhold testing services,” he said. “All of our testing is private and confidential.”
Rapid tests for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis are available at the Thursday events. A staff member will prick your finger and test the blood.
Results come back within minutes. If you initially test positive for HIV, a follow-up test will confirm the diagnosis. Step-Up connects patients newly diagnosed with HIV to a non-medical case manager who can help them find medical care, housing and other resources.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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