Free, rapid-result HIV-testing on June 27

Jun 19th, 2018

Heidi Wicks

National HIV Testing Day.
Free, rapid-result HIV-testing on June 27

Researchers who lead the School of Pharmacy’s APPROACH Study are supporting the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL) in offering pharmacy-based, rapid-result HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day, June 27. The goal of the day is to promote rapid HIV testing by pharmacists as a low barrier way for people to find out their HIV status and get linked to care. Although the testing day is not part of the APPROACH study (which concluded in Fall 2017), it is made possible by the outcomes from this research.

Testing sites will be available at Shoppers Drug Mart locations in St. John’s (clients should ask for Susan or Michael at the pharmacy) on Lemarchant Road and Corner Brook (ask for Christina) at the Millbrook Mall, and in Grand Falls (ask for Debbie) at Central Pharmacy.

Dr. Debbie Kelly is co-principal investigator of APPROACH (launched on Feb. 14, 2017), which resulted in nearly 90 people receiving an HIV test through a pharmacy in this province. Study results showed that clients felt very comfortable getting tested by their pharmacist, and 100% of those tested in NL felt that testing should be routinely offered in pharmacies. The study demonstrated that a pharmacy-based HIV screening program is acceptable, feasible and effective in reaching a vulnerable segment of the population.

Gerard Yetman, Executive Director of the ACNL says the National HIV Testing Day aims to promote the importance of HIV testing so people can get diagnosed early and connected with care. He would like to see rapid HIV testing offered regularly through pharmacies and other venues, to expand testing options especially for rural NL.

  • Clients may call ahead for an appointment, or drop-in
  • Testing hours: St. John’s: 9 am to 5 pm (telephone: 739-9751; Grand Falls: 9 am to 5 pm (489-5411); Corner Brook: 10 am to 8 pm (634-8875)

For further information, contact Dr. Debbie Kelly at dvkelly@mun.ca, or Gerard Yetman, Executive Director of ACNL, at gyetman@acnl or 579-8656.

Update: 40 tests were completed at all three locations.