On National HIV Testing Day, AltaMed reminds people they can get tested for free

As the nation celebrates National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27, local health care services like AltaMed remind people that they are providing tests free of charge all year round. 

Jacqueline Nazarian, associate director of HIV prevention with AltaMed, said getting constantly checked for HIV is a vital part of a person’s sexual health. 

“The L.A. County Department of Public Health shows that the rates in the Latino community are up one percent from 2022 to 2024 and [this group] is the most affected in L.A. County,” she said. 

She said men are disproportionately affected as they make up about 81% of the HIV cases in the county. 

“It’s really important for individuals to get tested, know their status and understand what services are available for them to make sure they are protected and their partners are protected,” she said. 

She said there still a lot of stigma around HIV and getting tested, but with the right education and information the community start to understand this is an essential part of their health.

“It’s just like getting their annual checkup. It’s nothing to get ashamed of and it’s just an ongoing care that they can do for themselves,” said Nazarian.

What is HIV?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system and currently there is no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life, but proper medical care can control the virus, indicates the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

People with HIV who get on and stay on effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

However, without treatment, it can lead to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus, indicates HIV.gov. 

The testing 

Luis Ochoa, is a prep navigator at AltaMed and one of their certified HIV testers. He said people should do their HIV testing every three months, and it takes just a few minutes. It involves getting the finger pricked, usually the middle or ring finger. The results are shown within a minute or so.

Nazarian said if the individual is reactive, meaning positive to the HIV test, they get referred to care coordinators who eventually connect them to AltaMed’s HIV specialty clinic in East L.A. 

“Within three days they are able to see a provider, get tested again to confirm their lab results, and then begin treatment almost immediately,” she said. 

For those afraid to go in person to get their testing, AltaMed offers home self-test kits so they can do it in the comfort of their home. 

Nazarian said the AltaMed clinics in Los Angeles and Orange County conduct between 3,000 to 3,500 rapid tests with about a one percent positivity rate.

For more information on AltaMed’s HIV testing services, visit: https://www.altamed.org/hiv-testing