LoveYourself Free HIV Screening Day: What To Do and What To Expect

 

Updated on November 6, 2015

With the alarming rise of HIV/AIDS-related cases in the Philippines, it is vital that more people get screened for HIV.

Aside from LoveYourself screening centers, people can get tested through one-day events like the “Ito Ang Tamang Panahon: Free HIV Testing Day" to be held on November 29, 2015 at Victoria Court North EDSA.

Is It Absolutely Free?

LoveYourself free HIV screening day will not charge for any services. You will only need to spend for the transportation going to venue.

Is It Open For All?

This event is open for all ages and genders. Clients younger than 18 will have to bring their parents for consent.

How Do I Sign Up?

Register for free at go.loveyourself.ph/tamangpanahon to secure a slot during our May 17 event.

How Do I Go To The Venue?

Here's the map and directions on how you can get to Victoria Court North EDSA.

Why Should I Get Screened At A One-Day Event Instead Of A Clinic?

Clients can expect the same quality of service and confidentiality when they avail their HIV screening either through a one-day event or a clinic. But there are three main reasons why you would want to attend a one-day event:

1. The event venue may possibly be near or accessible to you. For our November 29 testing day, it will be held at Victoria Court North EDSA. 
2. You are free that day and want to secure a guaranteed slot. Simply register at go.loveyourself.ph/tamangpanahon and show up before the cut-off time.
3. You want to get screened with a lot of your friends. LoveYourself HIV screening days will accommodate you and any number of your friends who may want to know their status.

What Happens In A One-Day Free HIV Screening Event?

This special LoveYourself event is held in a single day at a convenient location and aims to bring free, confidential HIV screening to as many people as possible. It is held in a non-clinic-based setting to allow for a more casual and light atmosphere.

Almost identical to walk-in testing in LoveYourself clinics, the special screening will involve the following steps.

1. Pre-registration: Participants will be asked to sign up online go.loveyourself.ph/tamangpanahon where their information will be kept confidential.
2. Registration: Once at the venue, clients will fill out a NEC form with their most basic information and other data relevant to the testing. Client information is strictly kept confidential at all times.
3. HIV101: Clients will then be guided to a room where trained educators will teach them the basics of HIV such as what it is and how it is transmitted, and other vital information related to HIV prevention.
4. Blood extraction: A small sample of blood will be collected by trained medical professionals.
5. Waiting period of 2-3 hours: While waiting, clients can participate in a group facilitation session where they can learn more about safe sex and how to improve their self-worth.
6. Post-test counseling: Any questions the client may have will be accommodated by the counselor 1-on-1, and the actual results will be discussed afterwards.

What Happens After I Find Out My Results?

If the result of the HIV screening is reactive, it will be sent to DOH/STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory for confirmatory tests while the client is referred to RITM Alabang for further baseline tests. A client can freely ask questions about the process with their assigned LoveYourself counselor.

It is highly recommended for the client to use his or her real name, so he or she can get the maximum benefit of treatment options available without complications. For those concerned about the privacy of their personal information, rest assured that the client’s identity will be treated with utmost confidentiality. A numbering system will be implemented to identify clients to keep their real names and other personal information protected.

If non-reactive, a discussion between the counselor and the client will be conducted on how to make sure they can remain non-reactive by reducing their risky behavior and becoming more responsible in protecting against the virus.