- Walgreens (WBA, Financial) collaborates with KFF's Greater Than Campaign to offer free HIV/STD testing at over 575 stores on June 27.
- This initiative marks the largest-ever National HIV Testing Day with participation from more than 415 local health departments and community organizations.
- Over 22,000 rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C have been donated to support the event, with results available in 20 minutes or less.
Walgreens (WBA), in partnership with KFF’s Greater Than HIV/STD campaign, will provide free rapid HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C testing at more than 575 Walgreens locations nationwide on June 27, marking the largest National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) in the partnership’s history. This year, more than 415 local health departments and community organizations are mobilizing across almost all U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, showcasing a record level of participation.
Rick Gates, Walgreens' Chief Pharmacy Officer, emphasized the importance of accessible information for HIV and STD testing, prevention, and treatment, noting that around 3,000 Walgreens pharmacists have completed advanced training in HIV treatment and prevention. The testing, conducted in private areas or mobile units, promises rapid results in 20 minutes or less, and provides information about the latest prevention tools, including PrEP and doxy-PEP.
The initiative is supported by over 22,000 donated rapid tests from leading manufacturers such as Diagnostics Direct, NOWDiagnostics, OraSure Technologies, Chembio Diagnostics, and bioLytical Laboratories. Additionally, Mesmerize, a national advertising network, will feature Greater Than videos on 1,200 screens in 750 clinics and community organizations throughout June to raise awareness about the importance of HIV/STD testing.
For those interested in participating, a list of the participating Walgreens stores and specific testing hours is available online, with no appointment necessary. This event underscores the power of public-private partnerships in expanding healthcare access and awareness across the nation.
