National HIV Testing Day

by Tim Hurn & Mel Oriolo, with contributions from Cheyenne Rainford

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), ACR Health hosted two free HIV testing events in Syracuse and Utica, NY, on June 27 and 28, respectively.

In partnership with Planned Parenthood, the Syracuse National HIV Testing Day (SNHTD) event was held on June 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Branch Library on Butternut Street.

There were several community partners there to promote their services and encourage people to get tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Nascentia Health, Onondaga County Prevention Staff, and Access CNY. Staff from the ACR Health clinic and Utica Prevention department were also on site to lend a hand.

Photography services were provided by Solon Quinn Studios. In addition to a snow cone truck, Planned Parenthood donated food and refreshments for event participants.

Approximately 100 people attended the SNHTD, of whom 10 were tested. ACR Health testers captured two linkage clients for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication which, when taken as directed, can prevent an individual from contracting HIV if they are ever exposed; a reactive syphilis test, and a reactive HCV test, indicating that further medical investigation into possible viral infections should be conducted for those individuals.

ACR Health Testing Program Manager, Tim Hurn, praised Facilities Manager, Tony Ramaglino, for his logistical support during the event.

“Overall, I am happy with the outcome … and very grateful for all who participated,” writes Hurn.

ACR Health’s Utica office hosted its National HIV Testing Day event on June 28 at Kopernik Park on Genesee Street from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Louie Zeina, owner of The Grapevine restaurant in New Hartford, NY, served meals to attendees from his food truck throughout the event.

The Utica team was supplemented by Harm Reduction and Prevention staff from ACR Health’s Syracuse location, and representatives from Gilead Sciences and Mohawk Valley Health Systems (MVHS) Immune Health and Prevention Department.

Attendance was estimated to be between 90 and 100 people, of whom 10 individuals were tested. All guests received safe sex supplies and information as they circulated the park. Prevention & Testing Supervisor, Mel Oriolo, was pleased with the turnout, saying that her staff saw more attendees than they originally anticipated.

While the darkest days of the HIV epidemic are behind us, it is still imperative to take steps to prevent its spread. According to 2021 figures provided by AIDSVu, the 9-county service area covered by ACR Health averages 162 people per 100,000 who are living with HIV. Free testing events support the programs and services through which ACR Health, and organizations like it, work tirelessly to drive this number ever lower.