New York State Department of Health Encourages People to Know Their Status on National HIV Testing Day
Eligible Individuals Can Receive a Free HIV Self-Test Kit Here
New York State Leads in Number of Individuals Prescribed HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Medications (PrEP)
Department Remains Committed to Identifying Strategies to Ensure Equitable Access to PrEP Across the State
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 27, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes June 27 as National HIV Testing Day and encourages everyone to know their status. HIV testing is a point of entry that links people to the HIV care continuum. Those at greater risk for HIV can also access HIV prevention tools such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms and other supportive interventions.
"HIV testing is a critical first step in HIV prevention and treatment, and it empowers individuals to take charge of their sexual health," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "On National HIV Testing Day, I encourage everyone to take that first step to learn their status and to talk openly with their partners and health care providers."
HIV self-test kits allow people to learn their status quickly and conveniently in the privacy of their own home. Individuals interested in receiving a free HIV self-test kit can click here to see if they are eligible to receive a free kit mailed directly to their home.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication that can prevent HIV and promote sexual health for New Yorkers who are at risk of HIV. PrEP is a safe, affordable and effective medication that prevents the sexual transmission of HIV.
New York State leads the nation in the number of individuals prescribed HIV PrEP medications among those estimated to benefit from PrEP.
Research has demonstrated that PrEP remains extremely effective at eliminating the possibility of transmitting HIV from one person to another, however, rates of PrEP uptake vary across populations in the State. In Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, young men who have sex with men, cisgender and transgender women and individuals under the age of 40 access PrEP at far lower rates than their White counterparts, even as new diagnoses of HIV increase in these same groups.
The Department's AIDS Institute continues to work with community partners and providers to identify strategies to ensure equitable access to PrEP across the entire State. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover costs associated with PrEP.
Additionally, the Department offers a PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) which covers costs of clinical visits and lab testing for uninsured individuals. Information on PrEP AP and other payment options can be found here.
To locate a nearby testing location, visit the AIDS Institute's Provider Directory or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's HIV test locator.
To learn more about the AIDS Institute and HIV, visit health.ny.gov.
