MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department has announced a new program, which is the first of its kind.
According to Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director of SCHD, the Memphis Shelby County metro area is second in new HIV cases, trailing right behind Miami, Florida.
The Shelby County Health Department has come up with a new way for people to get tested, expanding access to in-home HIV test kits at no cost to residents.
Through the 901 HIV Testing website, you can order an at-home kit and have it delivered to your door. They’re available to anyone 14 and up.
Dr. Taylor says it’s been months in the making, but they’re excited to be able to educate and provide resources for the community.
“We know that there are some people in the community who will never, ever walk through the doors because they’re worried that somebody is going to see them and want to know what they’re getting tested for, what they’re there for. Right. And so this is another way to remove that barrier,” said Taylor.
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According to the Tennessee Department of Health, in 2022, there were 861 people across the state who were newly diagnosed with HIV. Taylor says knowing your status is the key to a healthy life.
“I am very hopeful, very excited about this billboard today because I know people are going to see it. It’s going to make them think, and then they’re going to say, ‘Wow, I don’t even have to leave my house. I can go online, I can order the kit, I can get it at home, and I will have the tools I need to be successfully healthy,’” said Taylor.
The Shelby County Health Department Sexual Health Program offers HIV early intervention services, HIV medical case management services, and counseling.
“We have, an ongoing MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Memphis Shelby County Schools to start to work within the schools because we know that we’ve had about a 50% increase in new HIV infections among our adolescents, 15 to 19,” said Taylor.
The billboard along Poplar Avenue will be seen by as many as 20,000 commuters a day. Leaders hope those who see it will know how important it is to get tested.
Click here to order the HIV testing kits.
