Get a Test – Improving Access to HIV Testing
Access to convenient and timely HIV testing is an important part of public health and community well-being. The Get a Test initiative is a pilot project exploring how pharmacist-delivered HIV point-of-care testing in selected Ontario pharmacies could help address gaps in testing services. By bringing testing closer to local communities, the initiative aims to make it easier for people to access important health information.
HIV Point-of-Care Testing in Ontario Pharmacies
Point-of-care testing offers an opportunity to receive preliminary test results in a convenient healthcare setting. Through the Get a Test pilot, participating pharmacies explore the role pharmacists can play in providing accessible HIV testing services. This approach may help reduce practical barriers such as travel, appointment availability, and limited access to specialized testing locations.
The Role of Pharmacists in Community Healthcare
Pharmacists are accessible healthcare professionals who already support communities with a wide range of health services. Expanding their role in HIV testing can create additional opportunities for education, prevention, and early awareness. A pharmacy-based approach also highlights the importance of privacy, respectful communication, and appropriate guidance throughout the testing process.
Learning from HIV Testing Initiatives Across Canada
Similar pilot projects in other Canadian provinces have explored pharmacist-led HIV testing and demonstrated promising results. The Ontario initiative builds on these experiences by examining how this model can work within local communities. By evaluating accessibility and service delivery, Get a Test contributes to broader discussions about improving HIV testing options and strengthening community-based healthcare.
Why get an HIV test from a pharmacist?
Ontario is joining other provinces in Canada that have piloted Pharmacy-delivered HIV testing to expand the ways in which people can access testing.
Pharmacy-delivered HIV testing has been found to be effective in reaching first-time testers and frequent testers who want access to testing services outside of regular business hours.
People feel comfortable getting a test from a pharmacist, and early involvement of pharmacists in HIV care can improve medication adherence and help people stay healthy.
The test at the participating pharmacies are free, but so are all HIV tests in Ontario. If you’re not nearby one of our pilot sites, you can use HIV411.ca to find a testing site near you.
You can ask for your free HIV test either directly at the pharmacy counter or by passing a handwritten note.