Local Health Unit offering at Home HIV Testing Service

Brockville – The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit are collaborating with GetaKit to offer free at-home HIV self-test kits for residents over 16 living in our region. GetaKit is a great option that provides low-barrier and private HIV testing which can be completed in the comfort of your home.

The testing process involves a simple blood sample obtained from a fingertip, which is then analyzed for HIV antibodies using the included testing device. Each kit comes complete with detailed instructions and a contact phone number for any questions or concerns that may arise during testing.

HIV self-test kits include requisitions for other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These requisitions will be shipped directly to you to take to your local lab. This service is free and no health card is required. Complete the online risk assessment and register today with GetaKit.

With the upcoming World AIDS Day on December 1, the Health Unit acknowledges the importance of HIV testing and how increased access to testing is important to equity deserving populations.

“We are pleased to provide this service to our residents,” said Jennifer Adams, Manager of Clinical Services with the Health Unit. “Our partnership with GetaKit reflects our shared commitment to promoting healthier communities and empowering people to take charge of their health.”

The Health Unit also offers sexual health clinics in 7 communities across the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark areas. These clinics provide services such as STI testing; Hormonal Birth control (pills, patches, vaginal ring, Depo Provera); Emergency Contraception (Plan B); and pregnancy testing, options counselling and/or referrals. You can book an appointment online from the Health Unit website.

If you are not eligible to book an online appointment, call 1-800-660-5853 or the number for the clinic location (listed below) from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Appointments can also be arranged by emailing areyousafe@healthunit.org. Emails will be responded to within 2 business days.

For more information about sexual health, visit the Health Unit website.