LAUSR

BACKGROUND Access to HIV testing in New York City (NYC) has increased, but disparities in testing rates still exist among most communities impacted by HIV. HIV self-testing (HIVST) presents an opportunity to address testing barriers, but HIV-affected communities experience difficulties accessing HIVSTs, including lack of awareness and cost. To support increased access to HIVST, the NYC Health Department launched a partnership with select organizations to pilot distribution of free HIVSTs in two phases among priority populations across NYC. METHODS Organizations that were diverse in their missions, experiences, capacities and populations served were recruited through a formal application process. The program initially launched with 10 organization partners (Phase 1); as the pilot continued, partners identified necessary revisions to the program and launched a second phase in Year 2. Both phases included outreach to NYC priority populations, HIVST distribution/redemption and a follow-up survey. RESULTS From March 2017-August 2019, organizations distributed 75 HIVSTs during Phase 1 and 252 during Phase 2. All intended priority populations were reached, notably those who had never tested before: 35% in Phase 1 and 12% in Phase 2. Over half of follow-up survey respondents reported testing sooner. Respondents reported liking the HIVST because it did not require a visit to a clinic (84%) and preferred a HIVST to testing in a clinic (92%). CONCLUSIONS Through two phases of implementation, this innovative partnership was able to reach and offer HIVSTs to priority populations across NYC. This program supports the feasibility of distributing HIVSTs through close partnerships with diverse organizations.