HIV Prevention

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Over time, HIV can destroy CD4 cells (or T cells), which help the body fight off infections and diseases.

Only certain body fluids from a person who has HIV can transmit HIV: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It CANNOT be transmitted through air or water, saliva, insects, or sharing food and drink.

HIV is most commonly transmitted through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use. Risky sexual behaviors include having anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom. People with another sexually transmitted disease (STD) are at increased risk of getting or transmitting HIV. It can also be transmitted while injecting drugs, if users share needles with someone who has HIV. The virus can live in a used needle up to 42 days.

Prevention Services

The Clayton County Health District’s S.A.F.E. Program provides the following services:

• Information and Education Programs – Call 678.479.2225
• Evaluation for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylactic) or nPEP (non-occupational Post Exposure Prophylactic) – Call 678.373.9185 for more information
• Free latex and non-latex condoms (male & female), dental dams and lube
  • Free Condom Distributor Locations
  • Free Condoms by Mail
• Free HIV Testing
  • In-Clinic HIV Testing
  • Free at-home HIV self-test kits
  • Upcoming Community Testing Opportunities

In-Clinic HIV Testing

Free HIV testing is offered at:

Clayton County Health District
Forest Park Annex Clinic
685 Forest Parkway
Forest Park, GA 30297
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Testing for HIV is free, but fees may apply for other clinic and lab services.

In-Home HIV Test

The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is the only HIV test approved by the FDA that people can use to test themselves at home or in a private location. OraQuick was approved in 2012 for sale in stores and online to anyone age 17 and older.

The kit does not require sending a sample to a lab. It tests fluid from the mouth and delivers results in 20 to 40 minutes.

The test checks for antibodies to HIV. Antibodies are proteins the body makes to fight off an infection.

The kit contains a test stick you use to swab your upper and lower gums to collect an oral fluid sample from your mouth. The stick is then placed in a tube with a testing solution. After 20 to 40 minutes, one line will appear if the test is negative. Two lines indicate that HIV antibodies were detected and that you may be HIV positive.

If the home test is positive, a follow-up laboratory test will need to be done to confirm the results.

Order your free kit here or call 678.373.8245 for more information.

Test kits can be picked up in person or shipped.

Click here for HIV-related resources and to determine pre-eligibility for our Ryan White Clinic services for HIV Care and Treatment. By submitting information here, you consent to be contacted by the Clayton County Health District staff.