Walmart expands free HIV screenings to 18 pharmacies in Virginia, Colorado
Walmart announced the expansion of its HIV Point-of-Care Screenings to 18 Specialty Pharmacies of the Community, located within Walmart Pharmacies in Colorado and Virginia.
These screenings are part of Walmart’s continued effort to make health care more accessible, affordable and convenient, following the HIV screening pilot at two Walmart pharmacies in Virginia last year. Screenings at all 20 locations are free to patients as part of a continued pilot expansion that runs through Sept. 27.
This testing is all provided within Walmart’s SPOCs, which help patients with aspects of care, including clinical programs, custom-care coordination and healthy lifestyle recommendations.
"Continuing our commitment to holistic care, Walmart’s specialty pharmacists can help you manage your medications, find emotional support, and navigate insurance options," the company said. "They make treatment easier, more convenient and discreet for HIV patients to manage their healthcare needs, focused on each individual patient."
[Read more: Pharmacy Innovator of the Year 2021: Walmart connects with communities]
“We remain on a dedicated journey to broaden access to HIV care while also doing our part to reduce the stigma associated with HIV,” said Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy at Walmart. “Our newest HIV Point-of-Care Screening locations are led by pharmacists who are uniquely positioned to support those who are undiagnosed and experiencing symptoms during a time of uncertainty.”
During the HIV Point-of-Care Screening, an HIV test will be administered by a Walmart pharmacist, and while the test is running, the pharmacist will discuss other preventative measures like STI tests, contraceptive use, the need for a pregnancy test, medication that can treat or prevent the spread of HIV, vaccines a patient may need and more. The test is a simple blood sample, gathered through a finger prick and takes less than 30 minutes to return results.
[Related: Walmart, Elton John AIDS Foundation partner to help end HIV/AIDS epidemic]
A list of locations in Virginia that are offering HIV Point-of-Care Screenings include:
Store #1631 – 1900 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, Va. 23666
Store #7032 – 5001 Nine Mile Rd., Henrico, Va. 23223
Store #1759 – 6819 Walton Ln., Gloucester, Va. 23061
Store #3644 – 201 Hillcrest Pkwy., Chesapeake, Va. 23322
Store #1688 – 657 Phoenix Dr., Virginia Beach, Va. 23452
Store #2529 – 2021 Lynnhaven Pkwy., Virginia Beach, Va. 23456
Store #1811 – 1170 N. Military Hwy., Norfolk, Va. 23502
Store #5253 – 632 Grassfield Pkwy., Chesapeake, Va. 23322
Store #2808 – 12200 Chattanooga Plz., Midlothian, Va. 23112
Store #2821 – 2410 Sheila Ln., Richmond, Va. 23225
The tests administered in the HIV Point-of-Care Screenings are not diagnoses and in the event of a positive result Walmart pharmacists will help patients work with their primary care physicians or the Department of Health to order a confirmatory test.