HIV Testing & Care Services

Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | SMC CC, 3rd floor

Trained volunteers and staff from JACQUES Initiative will provide FREE HIV testing.  Testing is open to all UM students, faculty, staff and community members.

Testing Method

Trained testers will conduct oral tests.  This is similar to running a swab over your gums. The results are ready in twenty minutes.

What if the test comes back positive?

If this test comes back positive a second test is conducted, also known as a western blot test, and blood is drawn for this test to confirm the HIV (positive or negative) diagnosis. Linkage to care services will be offered by dedicated staff from JACQUES Initiative who will help walk you through the process of not only getting into HIV care but overcoming the challenges that you face to staying in care.

Why should I get tested?

We understand the fears, stigma, and concerns around even being tested, but believe that regular testing is in everyone’s best interest. Consider the following two reasons:

  • Personal health: HIV is a very treatable disease. Ignoring or hoping it will go away only allows the virus to cause further damage to your body. Your health is important to us. Everyone should be tested.
  • Community health: It is believed that 54% of new sexually transmitted HIV infections are transmitted from those who are unaware of their status. This means that the best way to love your partner, your family, and your neighbors, is to be tested for HIV.

How often should I get tested?

It is recommended that everyone be tested once a year for HIV. For those who have been tested before, we strongly encourage another test if you have participated in the following activities since your last test:

  • Unprotected sex, either, oral vaginal and anal sex
  • Substance abuse, such as sharing any needles or tools including the water
  • Tattooing
  • Body Piercing
  • Infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery, and through breast feeding. But entering treatment can substantially reduce the risk of spreading HIV to the child

For more information on testing, please visit the JACQUES Initiative website.