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HIV & STI Testing

How Can GMHC Help?

Testing is a crucial part of GMHC’s approach to reducing new HIV infections and ultimately ending the HIV epidemic. People who know their HIV status can start anti-HIV medicines to protect their health and ensure that they can’t transmit the virus to others.

Our Testing Center offers free tests for HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in a safe and supportive environment. There are no income requirements to obtain these tests. We welcome all people regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

PrEP and PEP

Anti-HIV medicines can be used to prevent HIV infection for those who are HIV negative. They include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that can be taken prior to condomless sex or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), if you think that you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours. A medical provider must provide prescriptions for PrEP or PEP. GMHC does not offer PrEP or PEP, but can help you find free or low-cost ways to obtain these medications.

For more information, call 212-367-1100 or email X.

HIV & STI Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I get my HIV test results?

We use the INSTI HIV Rapid Antibody Test, which provides HIV test results within 2 minutes.

What if I test positive for HIV?

We immediately refer people diagnosed with HIV to a healthcare provider for evaluation. To protect your health and the health of others, HIV treatment is recommended to suppress the virus. HIV treatment is safe and well tolerated for most people today with few side effects.

What if I test HIV-negative?

GMHC counselors can discuss options with you for starting PrEP, including resources for connecting to healthcare providers, and other ways to negotiate safer sex and having safer sex.

I have had a recent exposure to HIV. Should I take an HIV test?

HIV tests may not detect an infection if the exposure occurred within the last three months. In the past 72 hours, if you have had sex without a condom or shared a needle with someone who has HIV or whose HIV status you don’t know, you may be eligible to start PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Call the NYC PEP Hotline at 844-373-7692.

How often can I obtain HIV or STI tests at GMHC?

You may obtain tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C every three months at GMHC, or four times per year.

I have questions about the HIV test, PrEP/PEP, and/or supportive services. Can I talk to someone?

Yes! Give us a call at 212-367-1100 and a GMHC counselor will talk with you.

Testing Location

We offer free HIV testing at GMHC’s offices located at 307 W 38th St, New York (between 8th and 9th Avenues.

GMHC also coordinates confidential HIV counseling and testing efforts at universities and colleges, gyms, dance clubs, bars, faith communities, health fairs, Pride-related and other events and meetings. For more information, email Rob Vassilarakis, off-site supervisor, at robv@gmhc.org with details of your location, date/time of the event, and approximate number of attendees.

In addition to in-person testing, GMHC offers vouchers for free home HIV test kits to residents of New York City and the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Test kits may be requested via email at testing@gmhc.org.

Contact

Our counselors are available to answer any questions that you might have about HIV and STI tests. Call 212-367-1100 or Para Español, llama 212-367-1408. You may also email us at X. We will respond to messages as soon as possible.

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