MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) now offers at-home sample collection kits for STD and HIV testing.
ADPH is starting this initiative in order to promote STD and HIV testing and prevention in the state.
"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," ADPH said in a news release.
The department says this initiative will help provide resources to vulnerable populations who otherwise may not get tested.
ADPH will initially focus on providing kits to Alabama residents who identify as men who have sex with men, transgender and certain PrEP providers. People in these groups can request an at-home collection kit once every three months.
Specimen collection kits will be mailed to the patient's home. The collection kits include supplies to collect blood from a finger stick, urine and three other collection sites. The kit is then to be mailed to a lab with a pre-paid envelope.
For more information, visit ADPH's website.
Additionally, ADPH provides free, confidential STD clinics statewide. Contact your county health department for more information on free clinics.
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