Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Feb. 12, 2023
February 12 to 16, 2024 marks Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week in Canada, a yearly campaign designed to raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health and promote resources to improve community health in Canada. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is taking this opportunity to promote the importance of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many STIs are asymptomatic. Getting tested for STIs is important because it is the only way to know if someone has an STI and needs treatment.
Seeking STI testing can be challenging, especially for those who do not have a health care provider. As a strategy to increase access to STI testing, HPEPH is collaborating with GetaKit to offer free at-home HIV self-test kits for residents over 16 years of age. GetaKit is an option that provides private, low-barrier HIV testing which can be completed from the comfort of your home. In addition to HIV testing, residents can also access testing for other STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Those who test positive will be connected to services that offer treatment and support.
To access at-home testing, individuals will need to register at www.getakit.ca and complete an online risk assessment. The at-home HIV GetaKit testing process involves a simple blood sample obtained from a fingertip, which is then analyzed for HIV antibodies using the included testing device. Each kit comes complete with detailed instructions and a contact phone number for any questions or concerns that may arise during testing.
“We are pleased to provide this service to our residents,” said Stephanie McFaul, Manager of Sexual Health and Harm Reduction with HPEPH. “Our partnership with GetaKit shows our commitment to supporting individuals to take charge of their health and ‘know their status’. It offers a flexible alternative testing option for people who are unable or not comfortable accessing testing through traditional health care provider appointments.”
HPEPH also offers sexual health clinics in four communities across Hastings and Prince Edward counties. These clinics provide services such as STI testing, access to low-cost hormonal birth control (pills, patches, vaginal ring, injection), emergency contraception (Plan B), free condoms and other barrier supplies.
To find out more about HPEPH’s sexual health services or to book an appointment at the HPEPH sexual health clinics, call 613-966-5500, ext. 243; toll-free at 1-800-267-2802 or TTY Dial 711, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about sexual health, visit hpePublicHealth.ca
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Media contacts:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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