HIV Testing

Free, confidential HIV testing is available for people in Lorain County. Results are available in 20 to 40 minutes. Call 440-322-6367  to make an appointment for HIV testing with Lorain County Public Health (LCPH).  We are taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of Lorain County residents and staff.  We will continue to meet the needs of our clients.

Should I get tested?

Everyone 13 to 64 years old should get tested for HIV at least once. If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, get tested as soon as possible to protect your baby.

Get tested at least once a year if you engage in these high-risk activities:

• Have sex with someone that you don't know their HIV status.
• Have sex with an HIV-positive partner.
• Share needles or inject drugs.
• Have another sexually transmitted disease, hepatitis or tuberculosis.
• Are a sexually active gay or bisexual man.
• Have had more than one partner since your last HIV test.
• Exchange sex for drugs or money.

What is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?

HIV is an infection that may lead to AIDS if not treated. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but they may be controlled through treatment.

HIV is spread through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk and other body fluids containing blood. Infection can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles to inject drugs, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

How do I prevent HIV?

• Practice safe sex - always use a condom the right way every time you have sex with a partner whose HIV status is positive or unknown. Limit your number of sex partners.
• Do not share needles for any reason.
• If you are at a higher risk for getting HIV, but are HIV negative, ask your doctor about taking Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) medication daily.

Additional Resources:

• Conversation starters about testing, your status, and more
• HIV 101
• Search Free, Fast, and Confidential Testing Near You
• Planned Parenthood
• Family Planning Services of Lorain County
• Spanish Resources/Recursos en español

This service is funded through The Ohio Department of Health HIV Prevention grant. Materials adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.