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HIV & STI

 

Our Mission

SHAC HIV provides free HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and sexual health counseling in collaboration with the UNC infectious diseases clinic. Volunteer counselors are trained to perform on-site rapid testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, and syphilis as well as lab testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Counselors can provide patients with safer sex supplies, tools, and education. Additionally, counselors can provide HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) referrals as needed or requested by the patient.

Location & Hours

Our free testing occurs every Wednesday from 6:00PM to 9:30PM.  It is located at:
Carrboro Community Health Center
301 Lloyd St
Carrboro, NC 27510

**SHAC HIV is not currently testing for HIV and STIs at our Durham clinic due to pandemic restrictions, but plan to reopen in the future.

 

Make an Appointment

SHAC HIV provides HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing upon request to anyone over 14 years of age.

We are currently operating at the Carrboro Community Health Center by appointment only. Please note that we typically deliver all test results the following week via phone.

2 Options to schedule an appointment:

  1. Call 984-538-1031, wait for the line to finish ringing and then leave a message with your full name, phone number, and the reason for your visit. To reduce the risk to patients and caregivers, you can request a telehealth appointment by phone or video chat for patients with concerns that can be evaluated remotely.
  2. Please fill out this request form.

 

More Information and Resources

We offer free, rapid, confidential HIV & STI testing!

Services at our Carrboro clinic include rapid tests for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis with results available within thirty minutes. We also offer gonorrhea and chlamydia testing with results typically available in three business days. Lastly, we offer pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) referrals available at local county health departments or through SHAC pharmacy. Trained counselors provide education, prevention, and harm reduction information accompanying all patient appointments.

Learn more about us on Facebook or on Twitter.

Things you should know about HIV and AIDS:

  • HIV is the virus that causes AIDS and often has no symptoms. Getting tested is the best way to find out if you have HIV. If your test does come back positive, that DOES NOT mean you have AIDS.
  • There are many treatments available to help people with HIV lead productive, healthy lives although there is still no cure for HIV.
  • HIV can be transmitted from an infected individual to an uninfected person through blood, vaginal fluid, breastmilk, anal mucus, semen, and pre-semen.
  • Not sharing needles and using a condom every time you have sex are the best ways to protect yourself from contracting HIV.

Things you should know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

  • STIs may be symptomless or may have visual or physical symptoms
  • Male and female condoms and dental dams are the best way to prevent spreading an STI to a partner, but they are not perfect!
  • Getting tested regularly is the best way for sexually active people to be and stay safe.
  • Gonorrhea and chlamydia can all be cured with antibiotics, but this also means a person can be re-infected after treatment.
  • Hepatitis C can be transmitted by sharing needles or sexual contact, and is treatable with medication.
  • Did you know? Anyone born between 1945 and 1965 may be at risk for Hepatitis C because of exposure through medical equipment prior to the 1970’s. Getting tested once is enough to learn your status if you fall into this age group!

Visit these official sites for more information about HIV and STIs:

HIV Risk Factors and Information / VIH Información general (en Español)

HIV Symptoms / VIH Síntomas (en Español)

HIV in North Carolina and across the United States

PDF: Facts about Hepatitis C / Hepatitis C Información general (en Español)

PDF: Facts about Gonorrhea

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen at my appointment?

When you come in, you will likely be given some paperwork to complete while you wait for your provider – please make sure your contact information is accurate in case we need to get in touch after your visit. One of our counselors will then spend 10-15 minutes getting to know you and your needs, as well as discussing your recommended tests and answering any questions you may have. For urine tests, we will guide you on how to self-collect the specimen, which you will do privately in a restroom and leave the sample in a designated spot. For other tests, we will collect a few drops of blood from one of your fingers to run in a test device. We are currently delivering results via phone, after your visit is concluded.

 

Contact Us

Have questions about HIV or other STI testing? Email us at: shac_hiv@med.unc.edu