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The Health Connection: HIV Testing in a Pandemic

Healthcare Specialists Discuss At-Home HIV Testing and More on Facebook LIVE

On Friday, August 14, Care Resource aired another episode of our monthly live-feed show, titled “The Health Connection,” on Facebook LIVE. Peer Navigator, Kishi Martin was joined by Jairo Farinas, Testing Counselor at Care Resource, and Ricardo Mendiola, a representative from OraSure Technologies, Inc.

During this episode, they emphasized the importance of discussing HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, there are still specific demographics, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) of color, which are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. It is important to investigate the factors that influence these numbers, including access to HIV testing.

According to Mendiola, HIV testing rates have dropped throughout the pandemic. Many individuals continue to quarantine in order to protect themselves from COVID-19 transmission. At-home HIV testing provides a solution to the problem of how to access testing outside of a clinic or hospital. The OraSure oral swab tests are professional, easy to use, and over 99% accurate. They can detect HIV antibodies as early as 20-25 days after infection.

Care Resource is currently offering linkage to at-home HIV testing. After connecting with a Testing Counselor, patients can access an at-home test as well as behavioral health support services to cope with a reactive result. Those who are not infected with HIV can access pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) through our navigators by calling the hotlines listed below. If needed, Care Resource can assist with emergency transportation to our centers with rides offered via Uber Health.

PrEP: (347) 919-8904
PEP: (786) 322-1503

Be sure to join us for the next live episode of “The Health Connection” on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 1 PM. To view, visit Facebook.com/CareResource.

About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.

For media inquiries, please contact Jonathan Welsh, Associate Director of Communications and Development at jwelsh@careresource.org.

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