Expanding Access to HIV Testing and Support in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties
In 2020, Care Resource launched an at-home HIV testing program for eligible residents of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The program expanded access to HIV testing and connected individuals with care and support services.
South Florida continues to face high rates of new HIV diagnoses. Easy access to testing plays an important role in HIV prevention and early treatment.
Participants completed an online request form and spoke with a testing counselor. The counselor conducted a risk assessment and explained how to receive an OraQuick HIV self-test kit.
OraQuick is an FDA-approved oral HIV self-test. Individuals could take the test at home and receive preliminary results in about 20 minutes. After testing, counselors provided guidance, education, and referrals when needed.
Care Resource also connected individuals who received a positive result with medical care, behavioral health services, and additional support resources.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Care Resource temporarily paused many in-person outreach activities. In response, the organization introduced at-home testing to help residents continue accessing HIV prevention and testing services.
At the time of the program’s launch, CEO Rick Siclari said:
“Care Resource had to discontinue street outreach and mobile unit testing in support of community efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties. However, alternative methods of reaching and serving at-risk populations are in place, including the launch of a supported at-home HIV testing program in collaboration with our local county health departments.”
For information about current HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, please use the testing link above this article.
Editor’s Note
This article was originally published in May 2020 and is preserved as part of Care Resource’s organizational history. Program eligibility requirements, testing options, service delivery methods, and contact information may have changed since publication. Please visit our current HIV services pages for the most up-to-date information.
