HRC Foundation Launches National HIV Self-Testing Initiative: “Wellness in Action”

WASHINGTON – Today, on the heels of National HIV Testing Day, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, announces the expansion of the first-ever nationwide HIV self-testing initiative, Wellness in Action.

CVS Health will support the initiative by helping fund and distribute 3,000 self-testing kits to specific community-based partners over the year, centered around reaching communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. The Wellness in Action initiative prioritizes bridging the gap between HIV testing and care by offering navigation services and education with community-based organizations. Beyond testing, select MinuteClinic at CVS locations will work with an individual’s health benefit plan to provide access to follow-up health services such as PrEP consultations.

First launched in 2021, the distribution of self-testing kits empowers people to learn their status and take control of their sexual health without having to visit a medical provider, which may be difficult for some individuals. HIV testing is usually done with a doctor, in a hospital, or at a community health clinic. However, due to a lack of access to adequate healthcare and HIV stigma rooted in fear, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, marginalized populations often do not receive the testing or care they need.