For Immediate Release
June 17, 2025
MCPHD To Offer Free HIV Testing at Two Walgreens Locations on June 27
Local testing is part of National HIV Testing Day events
INDIANAPOLIS – As part of National HIV Testing Day events, Marion County Public Health Department staff will offer free, on-site testing for HIV from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on June 27 at two Walgreens locations – 1530 N. Meridian Street and 3003 Kessler Boulevard North.
“As we work to end the HIV epidemic, testing is critical in diagnosing HIV, identifying acute infections, and providing referrals to HIV treatment or prevention options,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. “Ensuring that people know their HIV status is the first step in getting connected to appropriate care and treatment for those who are HIV positive.”
National HIV Testing Day was first observed in June, 1995 as a way to encourage people to get tested for HIV, learn their status, and get linked to care and treatment.
The Marion County Public Health Department’s Ryan White/HIV Services program and Substance Use Outreach Services, along with community partners, including Walgreens, Women in Motion, the Indianapolis Urban League, and the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County are teaming up to provide this free and confidential rapid testing event in Indianapolis.
Participants who take part in the finger-stick testing will receive their HIV results within a few minutes. They can also be tested for Syphilis and Hepatitis C at the event, although it will take about 20 minutes to receive those results.
Participants will receive free hot dogs and other incentives, and will learn their HIV status.
“Testing events like this can be an important step in reducing the spread of HIV in our community,” said Byron Reynolds, Program Manager of the Marion County Public Health Department’s Substance Use Outreach Services.
In addition to the testing sites at the two Walgreens locations, MCPHD’s Northeast District Health Office, located at 6042 E. 21st Street, is offering free HIV testing from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on June 27, as well as opportunities to learn about PrEP, get connected to HIV care, and more.
In Marion County, an estimated 8,241 people are living with HIV/AIDS – some undergoing treatment, and some undiagnosed.
Of the newly diagnosed cases in 2024, 55.1% were Black, 14.3% Hispanic, 23.9% white, 3.1% API, and 3.7% other.
Also, of the newly diagnosed people, 75.3% were linked to care within 30 days, and 87.6% within 90 days. The Ryan White/HIV Services program provides more than $7 million in services to people living with HIV in a 10-county jurisdiction in Central Indiana.
To learn more about public health services in Marion County, please visit www.marionhealth.org.
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Douglas F. Toole, B.S.
Crisis Communication Coordinator
Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County
Marion County Public Health Department
Indianapolis, IN
317-221-2424 (office) 317-220-4762 (cell / text)
