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Inova Juniper Program Offering Rapid HIV Test at Inova Alexandria Hospital
November 18, 2009Testing Intended to Reduce Stigma; Results Available in 15 Minutes
Alexandria, VA – Inova Juniper Program, Northern Virginia’s largest provider of HIV/AIDS care, is now offering free rapid HIV testing to patients of the Inova Alexandria Hospital Emergency Department. The tests, which return results in 15 minutes using one drop of blood, will be offered to Emergency Department patients aged 13 to 84, regardless of behavioral factors and health history.
“By offering free, confidential rapid testing to teens, adults and seniors in the Emergency Department, we’re attempting to reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing,” says Martin Brown, MD, FACEP, Medical Director, Emergency Department, Inova Alexandria Hospital. “We know that testing and early detection save lives. Rapid testing will help individuals immediately know their status.”
Inova Juniper Program’s rapid-testing efforts are part of a pilot program funded through a three-year grant from the Virginia Department of Health. If a patient’s initial test is positive, staff will offer counseling and information about confirmatory testing and referral services from the Alexandria Health Department.
Inova Alexandria Hospital currently is the only hospital in Northern Virginia to offer rapid testing. Plans are underway to expand rapid testing to other Inova hospitals.
For more information about Inova Juniper Program services, call 703-321-2600 or visit inova.org/juniper.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
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