By Colin Crabtree

Some people just don’t know how easy and simple a test for HIV in Orlando is. But the team at Hope & Help is here to dispel the myth that an HIV test is confusing, lengthy, and scary. In fact, some tasks we partake in throughout the week are subjectively more difficult than getting tested for HIV. In celebration of National HIV Testing Day coming up on June 27th, let’s see just how simple it is to get tested for HIV.

Doing Laundry

1. Doing Laundry

For most of us, laundry day is not a fun day. Sorting whites, colors, delicates, linens, having to wait around for the cycle to finish, and having to fold it all too?! Trying to remember which pieces of clothing must be hand-washed and hang-dried. The reason it’s called “laundry day” is because it can take ALL. DAY. But a rapid HIV test takes on average 15 minutes to get your results, and the brief paperwork is much more self-explanatory than figuring out how to fold a fitted sheet.

Grocery Shopping

2. Grocery Shopping

It’s the 3rd day in a row that you’ve had Chinese food delivered to your house and you decide enough is enough. It’s time to go grocery shopping. But the idea of meandering through aisle after aisle trying to find quality food on a tight budget isn’t appealing. If grocery shopping doesn’t sound like the errand you want to run today, head over to your local health center like Hope & Help and get a free HIV test instead! It’ll be faster, less expensive (because it’s free), and there’s no “organic” version of an HIV test to be guilt-tripped into buying.

Watching TV

3. Deciding What Show to Watch

We’ve all been there, when you are sitting on the couch in front of the TV, scrolling through Netflix and Hulu, and for some reason, NOTHING seems interesting enough to watch. You’ve spent well over 15 minutes trying to pick something before settling on re-watching The Office again. Do you know where those 15 minutes would be better spent? Getting tested for HIV! Sometimes the decision to #knowyourstatus is easier than deciding which show to binge-watch next.

Washing Dishes

4. Washing Dishes

Let’s be real, scrubbing dirty pots and pans is gross, tiring, and of course, you’ll want to scream when you can’t match your Tupperware to the proper lids. So, let’s do something a little less gross and physically exhausting and go get a test for HIV in Orlando! What sounds better to you? 15 minutes of scraping food residue or 15 minutes of protecting your health?

Working Out

5. Going to the Gym

Summer is here!!! To the few who actively enjoy going to the gym throughout the week, we salute you. But for many of us, the struggle is real. The good news is that going to the gym isn’t the only way to maintain your health. If the gym just doesn’t feel like the move today, go get tested! Health is about much more than just working out and eating the right foods. Honor your body and know your status by getting tested regularly.

Before telling yourself that going to get the test for HIV in Orlando isn’t worth the effort, remember how easy it truly can be. If you have time to watch an entire season of Stranger Things in one night, you have time to go get tested! So, this National HIV Testing Day, come on over to Hope & Help and receive a free rapid HIV test.

1. TALK about Safer Sex and HIV with your partner(s). Discuss sexual preferences to improve the experience. Maintaining open, respectful, and honest communication ensures both safety and fun.

2. Get TESTED once every 3 to six months. Hope & Help offers Free HIV Testing for singles and couples that wish to get tested together.

3. CONDOMS and dental dams provide excellent barrier protection against sexual fluid exchange. There are many types of condoms. Talk with your partner(s) about what types you find enjoyable and effective. If cost is an issue, sign up for your Protect Your “O” free condom delivery service.

4. Learn about PrEP and if it’s right for you. If you feel that you have been exposed to HIV, ask your provider about PEP.

For more information about HIV Testing and Treatment at Hope & Help,

call 407.645.2577.