FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Anthony Merriweather
(334) 206-5350
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) will offer at-home sample collection kits for STD/HIV home testing for selected individuals beginning May 17, 2021. The ADPH Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and Control has collaborated with Binx Health to implement home delivery STD/HIV collection kits by mail for private at-home testing.
The purpose of the initiative is to promote STD/HIV testing to strengthen STD/HIV prevention and control efforts in Alabama. Data shows that one in five sexually active people will get an STD, and most will not be aware of it. Home delivery of kits allows people to collect a sample for a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV, in the convenience of their own home. The approach will help reach vulnerable populations who may not otherwise get tested.
The focus of the initial implementation phase will target Alabama residents who identify as men who have sex with men, transgender, and selected PrEP providers. Individuals in any of these populations can request one STD/HIV home-collection kit every three months.
Specimen collection kits are mailed to the patient’s home. The kits contain supplies to collect blood from a finger stick, urine and three other collection sites. The kit is then mailed to a lab in a pre-paid envelope.
Specific information about requesting a test, test results, treatment and follow-up is available at adph.mybinxhealth.com
ADPH operates free, confidential STD clinics statewide. To find the closest clinic near you, contact your nearest county health department.
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.