Since 1986, the DPH has funded HIV counseling and testing sites throughout Connecticut. The objectives of this program are:
1) To identify individuals with HIV infection for case management;
2) To provide knowledge and tools to individuals in order to change HIV risk behaviors;
3) To provide training and continuing education options to counselors funded through DPH and insure quality HIV counseling services;
4) To identify all seropositive individuals and offer spousal/partner notification services to them and their partners;
These services are provided to clients:
1) Whose behaviors may put them at risk for HIV infection;
2) Who may not have access to a medical facility;
3) Who may not be comfortable with getting an HIV test in a medical setting; or
4) Who may not have the money or insurance to seek HIV testing through the private medical care system;
HIV counseling and testing data collection and analyses are used to monitor the extent to which these objectives are achieved.
The AIDS Programs supports many local HIV counseling and testing sites. These sites are for persons at risk for HIV infection, especially those who do not have private insurance. The AIDS Programs trains the counselors and the tests are done at the state laboratory.
Strict confidentiality is maintained, and some sites offer anonymous testing (anonymous testing means that you do not give your name).
You can also get HIV counseling and testing through your own doctor. If you wish, you can be tested for HIV using a commercially available home collection kit. You must purchase the kit and send the sample through the mail to a laboratory for testing. Counseling also is available by telephone. Home blood collection kits can be purchased at your local pharmacy.
If you are at risk for HIV and you do not have money to pay for an HIV test, you can contact one of the following local HIV test sites near you:
Partner Notification Information
If you have HIV, your sexual or needle-sharing partners need to know that they have been exposed to and may be infected with HIV. Your partners can get help to be tested and referred to medical care, if necessary. To help you, there are dedicated workers who oversee a partner services program. The staff of this program are specially trained to help you notify your partners. They can help you by confidentially notifying your partners for you, or by going with you to notify your partners, or by teaching you how to notify your partners yourself.
The program is strictly confidential; if they notify your partners for you, your partners will never be given your name. The partner services program can provide you with the assistance needed to notify past and present partners which can help you deal with your HIV.
Call (860) 509-7920 and ask to speak to a Disease Intervention Specialist or DIS