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Since 2011, KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), through its Greater Than AIDS public information initiative, and Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drug store chains, have teamed with health departments and HIV service organizations across the nation to provide free HIV testing and information in Walgreens stores in support of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27th.

In response to COVID-19, the 2020 in-store activation was replaced by a new FREE HIV self-testing program.

Just ahead of the 25th anniversary of NHTD, Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens, together with Orasure Technologies, announced a new program to donate 10,000 OraQuick In-Home HIV Tests to community partners to support expanded testing options during COVID-19. Local health agencies and community-based organizations will distribute the FDA-approved, self-administered tests this summer at no cost to those unable to get tested in person.

The Greater Than AIDS / Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership offers a unique public-private model to support communities in their Ending the HIV Epidemic responses. By extending the reach of testing and informational resources in non-traditional settings, the Partnership helps normalize conversations about HIV and reach wider audiences about the latest advances.

Largest HIV Testing Partnership in the U.S.

A record 325+ community partners in 215 cities in 47 states had signed on to provide free HIV testing in Walgreens stores across the country as part of the 2020 Greater Than AIDS / Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership when the in-store activation was put on hold due to COVID-19. These community partners – including those in the 48 counties in the Federal Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America plan – serve populations most affected by HIV.

With the new donation, more than 67,000+ free HIV tests will have been provided – and many more people have been reached with critical information – since the launch of the Partnership in 2011.

A survey of 2019 community partners indicates the benefits of participation extend well beyond testing. The large majority of partners say being a part of the activation raises visibility for their organization in the community (76%), opens up other conversations about HIV (73%), and allows them to reach a wider network of people (62%).

To learn more about the Greater Than AIDS / Walgreens National HIV Testing Day Community Partnership, please email community@kff.org.