(Turning Point)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

knocking down barriers

Turning Point offering free HIV self-test kits

Mar 9, 2023 | 7:00 PM

Turning Point Society of Central Alberta is now distributing free HIV self-test kits through its office and outreach programs to anyone interested in knowing their HIV status.

Education Coordinator Darcee Smith says by allowing people to test when and where they want, barriers to traditional testing are eliminated.

“Our staff are here to provide ongoing support specific to the needs of each individual,” Smith says. “Whether you’d prefer to have one of our confidential staff members present while taking the test or need support in pursuing confirmatory testing and treatment, we’ll work with you to connect you with the necessary resources and referrals.”

The single-use test kits can be used at home to detect HIV antibodies in the blood and can provide non-confirmatory results in minutes, Smith explains.

The distribution of tests is thanks to a partnership with Community-Based Research Centre’s (CBRC) Test Now program. Turning Point also partnered with CBRC during the program’s pilot phase in 2021, and it was well received.

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“We still get calls from community members asking for self-test kits, so we’re thrilled to distribute them within the community once again,” adds Smith.

According to the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), an estimated 62,790 Canadians are currently living with HIV, Turning Point shares.

Fortunately, they add, 90 per cent of those living with HIV have received a diagnosis, 87 per cent of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression – meaning they’re far less likely to pass HIV to others.

“The sooner you know your status,” says Smith, “the sooner you can take action to reduce the impact.”

Community members can easily access self-test kits by visiting Turning Point Society’s office (4611 50 Avenue), Red Deer’s Overdose Prevention Site (5246 53 Avenue) or connecting with a member of the organization’s outreach team.