On National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) 2019 – June 27th – more than 250 health departments, HIV service and other community organizations joined with Greater Than HIV and Walgreens to provide 8,777 free HIV tests in Walgreens stores in 246 cities and 36 states across the nation. This is the largest coordinated NHTD activation of its kind, accounting for more than 74 percent of all events recorded on the day by the CDC.
This year marked the highest level of engagement in the nine-year history of the Greater Than HIV/Walgreens NHTD Community Partnership. More than 57,000 tests have been provided since its launch in 2011.
The average number of tests per store was 22.3 with a high of 199 tests provided in a store in Augusta, GA. Twelve other locations recorded more than 100 tests each. There were 68 HIV positive test results collected at 55 stores. Individuals who tested positive were linked to care.
In addition to offering testing, informational materials about the latest in HIV prevention, including PrEP, and treatment were also distributed providing an opportunity for local agencies to engage more broadly about HIV.
A focus was on areas of greatest need. Free testing was offered in Walgreens stores in 41 of the 48 counties with the highest number of new HIV diagnoses, as well as all seven states plus Washington, DC, identified in the Federal Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America as top priorities. Sixty percent of participating stores were in these areas.
To see more detailed results, click here. Search the map below for results by location.
Estimated digital media impressions exceeded 28 million+ and Walgreens estimates there were more than 400 million impressions resulting from press coverage. In addition, health departments in several areas supported events in their area with additional paid promotions. Many testing partners also leveraged their social media platforms to get out information, including sharing day-of videos on Instagram stories.
A post-event survey indicates the benefits of participation extend well-beyond testing day. Three quarters (76%) of 2019 testing partners say being a part of the Greater Than HIV/Walgreens activation raises visibility for their organization in the community, 73% say it opens up other conversations about HIV, and 62% say it allows them to reach a wider network of people.
Planning for National HIV Testing Day 2020 – the 10th anniversary of the partnership – is underway. More information will be coming soon from Greater Than HIV and Walgreens.
Got questions? Email Greater Than HIV.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together we are Greater Than HIV!
* * *
The National HIV Testing Day Community Partnership is an ongoing initiative of Greater Than HIV, a project of the Kaiser Family Foundation, and Walgreens to broaden the reach of HIV testing and information in non-traditional settings and to support the outreach of local organizations. Since 2011, more than 57,000 free HIV tests have been provided by local partners in Walgreens stores in high incidence areas across the U.S. in support of National HIV Testing Day (June 27).