Taking the test

Thomas E. Bertrand
Posted 7/1/14

It was September 1994, and I had never imagined myself sitting alone in the crowded and chaotic basement of Traveler’s Aid Society, now known as Crossroads in downtown Providence, waiting to get my …

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Taking the test

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It was September 1994, and I had never imagined myself sitting alone in the crowded and chaotic basement of Traveler’s Aid Society, now known as Crossroads in downtown Providence, waiting to get my first HIV test results.

The news was good: The test result was negative. While feeling relief at that moment, the entire process was emotionally exhausting. Back in the 1990s, the process took two weeks because after providing a vial of blood, you had to wait 14 days to get your test results. I knew one thing: I never wanted to go through that process again.

Fortunately, today Rhode Islanders have access to many HIV testing services through their doctor’s office and in community locations with welcoming and safe environments. “Rapid” HIV tests are widely available that provide results in 20 minutes. Clients now often have a choice: A simple and painless mouth swab or finger-prick. There are many community-based organizations that offer anonymous testing at no cost. At AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI), both individual and couples HIV testing is offered.

Today I am a licensed RI HIV Test Counselor and have provided HIV tests to over 250 people. Most people who come in for testing are seeking the peace of mind a negative test result provides. I have witnessed mixed reactions to receiving a negative HIV test result – huge sighs of relief, silent reflection, and tears of joy.

For those who receive a positive HIV test result, I provide counseling, assurance and support as they proceed to confirmatory testing and medical care. A positive test result often includes managing many difficult personal issues. However, there are strong systems in place in Rhode Island to help people living with HIV access medical care, medications, and other social services, regardless of income and health insurance status.

It takes courage to get an HIV test. However, on this National HIV Testing Day, I’m hopeful that Rhode Islanders will take advantage of the free, friendly and rapid testing services in Rhode Island. The peace of mind, regardless of the test result, is well worth it.

In honor of National HIV Testing Day, APRI is offering HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27, at our 9 Pleasant St., Providence location. All testing is free and anonymous. No appointment necessary, just walk in. More information is available at 831-5522 or www.AIDSProjectRI.org.

Thomas E. Bertrand, MPH, is the executive director of AIDS Project Rhode Island, a division of Family Service of Rhode Island.

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  • JohnStark

    Mr. Bertrand, as a "licensed RI HIV Test Counselor", clearly you do the Lord's work. However, do you caution clients concerning the behavioral choices that lead to AIDS? Do you let men know that they have a statistically greater chance of contracting breast cancer than HIV AIDS if they do not engage in sodomy? Probably best to get this information out prior to the need for a test, and thank you for your all you do.

    Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Report this