Walgreens and KFF’s Greater Than HIV Join with Community Partners to Offer Free HIV and STD Testing at Record Number of Stores on June 27

Rhea-AI Summary

On June 27, Walgreens is collaborating with KFF's Greater Than HIV initiative to offer free rapid HIV and STD testing at over 550 Walgreens stores, making it the largest National HIV Testing Day event in the nation.

The initiative also includes free rapid syphilis and/or hepatitis C testing at many locations. This partnership aims to provide accessible testing and connect individuals to local prevention and treatment services.

HIV rapid test manufacturers, including Abbott Laboratories and OraSure Technologies, are donating tests. Since 2011, the partnership has provided over 82,000 free HIV tests. This year marks the program’s highest participation level.

Positive

• Largest National HIV Testing Day event at over 550 Walgreens stores.
• Free HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C rapid testing available.
• Results provided in 20 minutes or less in a private setting.
• Counselors available for prevention and treatment information.
• Partnership with major HIV rapid test manufacturers, receiving donations to support the initiative.
• Since 2011, over 82,000 free HIV tests provided through the program.
• Record participation in terms of testing partners and stores.

Negative

• Not specified how Walgreens will manage increased traffic in stores.
• Potential privacy concerns for individuals getting tested in a retail setting.
• No detailed statistics provided on effectiveness or reach of previous testing events.

The collaboration is the largest National HIV Testing Day event in the Nation

DEERFIELD, Ill. & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walgreens and Greater Than HIV, a public information initiative of KFF, are teaming up with health departments and community organizations to offer free rapid HIV testing in more than 550 Walgreens stores on June 27 in the largest coordinated National HIV Testing Day event.

Additionally, to address the rising rates of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), free rapid syphilis and/or hepatitis C testing will also be offered by partners this year in many locations.

“This unique public-private partnership brings free rapid HIV and STD testing directly to communities in a familiar setting and connects individuals to trusted local prevention and treatment service providers in their area,” said Tina Hoff, senior vice president, KFF.

A list of participating Walgreens stores and hours when free HIV and STD testing will be offered is available here; no appointment needed. Testing is provided by local partners, in a private area of the store or mobile unit, with results available in 20 minutes or less. Counselors can also answer questions about HIV and STDs and provide the latest on prevention and treatment options, including referrals for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), FDA-approved medications that are highly effective in preventing HIV, and other needed care.

“This program is instrumental in reaching people in community settings, making HIV prevention and treatment options more equitable, accessible and convenient,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. “In addition to providing services to help prevent and treat HIV for more than 40 years, Walgreens invests in training its pharmacy team members to address the specific challenges faced by people living with HIV – including confidential medication counseling, information on prevention options and how to apply for financial assistance programs.”

Major HIV rapid test manufacturers including Abbott Laboratories, BioLytical Laboratories, ChemBio Diagnostics, and OraSure Technologies donated tests to support this year’s effort. Additionally, ChemBio Diagnostics and Diagnostics Direct donated rapid syphilis tests.

Since 2011, KFF’s Greater Than HIV and Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership has provided more than 82,000 free HIV tests through the in-store NHTD program, including over 15,000 self-tests distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the 14^th year of the partnership and marks the highest level of participation – both in terms of testing partners and stores – in the program’s history.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. True to its purpose of “more joyful lives through better health,” Walgreens has a more than 120-year heritage of caring for communities and providing trusted pharmacy services, and today is playing a greater role as an independent partner of choice offering healthcare services that improve care, lower costs, and help patients. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Walgreens is proud to serve nearly 9 million customers and patients daily. The company’s pharmacists are playing a more critical role in healthcare than ever before, providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for some of the nation’s most underserved populations. Walgreens offers customers and patients a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms designed to deliver high-quality products and healthcare services. Within the U.S. Healthcare segment, Walgreens portfolio also includes businesses in primary care, multi-specialty, post-acute care, urgent care, specialty pharmacy services, population health and provider enablement.

About KFF

KFF is the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Its mission is to serve as a nonpartisan source of information for policymakers, the media, the health policy community, and the public.

KFF’s Greater Than HIV initiative is a leading public information response focused on HIV in the U.S. Through localized Greater Than HIV campaigns, KFF works with health departments and community partners to reach those most affected and in need with the latest on testing, prevention and treatment. This public-private partnership model helps extend the reach of limited resources in high need areas.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240611831552/en/

Stephanie Corcilius

Walgreens

media@walgreens.com

847-315-2921

Craig Palosky

KFF

cpalosky@kff.org

202-654-1369

Source: Walgreens Boots Alliance

FAQ

What is the date of the National HIV Testing Day event at Walgreens?

The event will be held on June 27.

How many Walgreens stores will offer free HIV and STD testing?

Over 550 Walgreens stores will participate.

Which tests are being offered for free at Walgreens on June 27?

Free rapid HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C testing will be offered.

How long will it take to get results from the free HIV and STD tests?

Results will be available in 20 minutes or less.

Who is partnering with Walgreens for this National HIV Testing Day event?

Walgreens is partnering with KFF's Greater Than HIV initiative, and local health departments and community organizations.

Which companies donated HIV rapid tests for the Walgreens event?

Abbott Laboratories, BioLytical Laboratories, ChemBio Diagnostics, and OraSure Technologies donated HIV tests.

How many free HIV tests has the Walgreens partnership provided since 2011?

The partnership has provided over 82,000 free HIV tests since 2011.

Are appointments needed for the free HIV and STD testing at Walgreens?

No appointment is needed for the testing.