LA Times’ Daily Pilot, Around Town: Free drive-up HIV testing in Orange County

LA Times
Read more
/by

Radiant Health Centers Brings Free Drive-up HIV Testing to Orange County

Making HIV and STD testing quick and accessible is part of Radiant Health Center’s efforts in advancing LGBTQ+ health equity and ending the HIV epidemic in Orange County 

Irvine, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2020) – Radiant Health Centers, a nonprofit specializing in LGBTQ+ specialized medical care and comprehensive social services to Orange County, has begun offering free drive-up rapid HIV testing to the Orange County community. The program is by-appointment-only and offers a complete HIV testing experience, including pre-appointment consultation and PrEP or PEP prescriptions, based on test results.

The drive-up testing process includes counseling and education over the phone before the appointment to minimize physical interaction with testing staff while also providing clients with helpful information to facilitate a supportive experience. All appointments are private and confidential. Clients arrive at Radiant Health Centers’ location for their scheduled appointment where the testing counselor administers the test while the client remains safely in their vehicle. Results are available in a minute and treatment or prescriptions are made available that same day.

Radiant Health Centers Drive-up HIV Testing

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been constantly reimagining how we provide our programs and services,” said Phil Yaeger, CEO of Radiant Health Centers. “One of the services where we see the highest demand is our HIV and STI testing and treatment. Early during the pandemic, we deployed at-home HIV testing kits. Our drive-up HIV testing program offers the same level of confidentiality and compassion with more in-person interaction. Everything we do complies with CDC guidelines and we’re proud to continue our outreach to the community – especially our more vulnerable populations – safely and healthily.”

The free drive-up HIV testing appointments are available on Mondays between 12 – 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (949) 809-5700. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services and referrals are also available by phone. Learn more about Radiant Health Centers’ testing services.

Radiant Health Centers provides the LGBTQ+ community medical services that are compassionate and comprehensive while continuing to serve those living with and affected by HIV. Learn more at www.radianthealthcenters.org.     

/by