HIV/ AIDS Health Services

HIV Testing
Two methods of testing are available: blood and rapid oral swab. Blood tests are done with a needle; the rapid oral swab test takes a sample of fluid and tissue using a small, flat brush inserted in the mouth and rubbed against the gums above and below the teeth.

Tests are either confidential or anonymous. A confidential test means the results are entered onto your medical record and require your name, address and social security number. Written documentation of testing from a blood test may be provided upon request for the person who was tested. An anonymous test means the results are known only to you. No documentation can be provided with an anonymous test.

Both types of tests will include pre and post test counseling to discuss your risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, how to avoid acquisition or transmission of HIV and what to do should you test positive for antibodies to HIV.

Oral tests
The OraQuick rapid oral swab is free and always anonymous. The biggest advantage of the OraQuick test is that results are available in about 20 minutes, so only one visit is required to be tested, counseled and get your results. 

OraQuick testing is available during specific walk-in testing times at the times/locations listed below.

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Marguerite Robinson Community Center, 400 W. Sixth St., Newport, Ky.

• 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky.

• 2 to 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, 634 Scott St., Covington, Ky.

• 1 to 4 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky.

If you have questions about rapid HIV testing, please call 859.341.4264, Ext. 2085.

Blood tests
Blood tests are administered through the Health Department's health centers by appointment only and will cost approximately $15. Hours vary per site. Please call the center of your choice for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Boone County Health Center
7505 Burlington Pike
Florence, KY 41042
859.363.2060

Campbell County Health Center
1098 Monmouth St.
Newport, KY 41071
859.431.1704

Grant County Health Center
234 Barnes Road
Williamstown, KY 41097
859.578.3690

Kenton County Health Center
2002 Madison Ave.
Covington, KY 41014
859.431.3345

Click here for directions to these sites.

For additional testing sites, visit the National HIV Testing Resources page to search for testing sites by ZIP Code.

Condom Distribution
View a list of Northern Kentucky locations distributing free condoms.

HIV/AIDS Case Management 
HIV/AIDS case management services provide support, stabilization and referrals to community resources for persons living with HIV/AIDS and members of their households. Services are available to those living in the counties of Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Gallatin, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton. Services include: Short-term crisis counseling, housing and utility assistance, assistance with drugs and medicine, dental care, health insurance, transportation, nutritional guidance, links to support groups and volunteers, assistance in obtaining a medical doctor, and referrals for specialized counseling, food, housing and other community services. For more information or for an appointment, call 859.341.4264. 

HIV/AIDS Outreach Services
Outreach services are provided to the community to promote HIV testing and counseling, and to encourage HIV Positive individuals to seek case management services. Special emphasis is on the hard to reach high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics, substance abusers, homeless persons and the incarcerated. For more information, call 859.341.4264. 

HIV/AIDS/STI Prevention Education 
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education programs are available to community, professional groups, and businesses upon request. Risk reduction education is also provided to high-risk groups. For more information, please call 859.341.4264.

HIV/AIDS Professional Education
An HIV/AIDS Continuing Education Update course, approved by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is a multidisciplinary class suitable for any of the professional groups impacted by KRS 214.610/615. It is a 2-hour course with a cost of $20, payable on the date of the class. The course is offered bi-monthly. Please call 859.341.4264 or visit the Current Programs page for current date, location and to RSVP. Several online courses have also been approved by the state.