New York State Department of Health Launches Free HIV Self-Test Giveaway Campaign

Individuals Interested in a Free HIV Self-Test can Take Eligibility Survey

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis(PrEP) Can Prevent HIV and Promotes Sexual Health for Individuals at Risk of HIV

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 6, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health is announcing the launch of the latest free HIV self-test giveaway, highlighting the importance of HIV self-testing as a tool to empower individuals to take control of their sexual health, protect the health of their sexual partners and needle-sharing partners and reduce the transmission of HIV.

"Knowing your status and understanding how to prevent and control the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are vital components of the collective mission to End the Epidemic," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "HIV self-test kits allow people to learn their status quickly and conveniently in the privacy of their own homes."

HIV self-tests are easily accessible and available to individuals who may not seek out traditional in-person HIV testing services. The Department has 1,960 tests available to support the giveaway, purchased through $88,327 in state funding. Individuals who live in New York State (outside the five boroughs of New York City) can take the eligibility survey to see if they're eligible to receive a free HIV self-test kit mailed directly to their home. New York City residents can request a free HIV self-test kit by contacting an agency participating in the Community Home Test Giveaway (CHTG) program. Find CHTG partners on the NYC Health Map by clicking the Sexual Health Services category and then HIV Testing.

Coinciding with the self-test giveaway, the Department recognizes Saturday, February 7 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which was first observed in 1999 to recognize how racism and harmful biases have contributed to health disparities, specifically when it comes to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. According to the Department's 2024 HIV/AIDS Annual Surveillance Report, the rate of new HIV diagnoses among non-Hispanic Black individuals was 9.2 times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White individuals.

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. 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.

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.

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 all costs for oral PrEP, which include appointment fees, lab tests and medication. Additionally, the Department offers a PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP), which includes information about payment options. Drug manufacturers offer assistance as well.

The Department continues to uplift the voices of Black individuals who are leading HIV prevention and breaking barriers through honest conversations through the "Unfiltered" campaign. The campaign aims to normalize conversations around PrEP for HIV prevention among Black and Brown New Yorkers. The series releases new episodes every two weeks showcasing a different influencer's unique journey.

New York State continues to move toward its Ending the Epidemic goals through the State Department of Health's AIDS Institute's statewide programming and activities related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.

To learn more about the AIDS Institute and HIV, visit health.ny.gov.