HIV/AIDS Information:
Testing, Treatment & Connection to Care

This page provides up‑to‑date information on HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and care services throughout the city. Programs and services can change, so please confirm details directly with providers.

About HIV and AIDS

  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and breaks down the body’s immune system over time. The immune system is the internal “defense force” that fights off infections and diseases. When the immune system weakens, it is unable to protect against illnesses, leading to the development of serious, often life-threatening infections and cancers.

  • AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) refers to the condition that develops as a result of untreated HIV infection. An AIDS diagnosis is made if a person with HIV develops one of the serious infections associated with HIV, or if blood tests show that their immune system is badly damaged by HIV. Typically, it will take several years before HIV breaks down a person’s immune system and causes AIDS.

  • Understanding HIV

    Most people have few or no symptoms for months or even years after contracting HIV. However, the virus begins to damage the immune system as soon as it enters the body. People with HIV who have no symptoms can still transmit the virus to others without knowing it.

    How HIV is Transmitted

    HIV can be transmitted through the exchange of certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breastmilk. The main ways HIV can enter another person’s body are:

    • Unprotected sexual activity – Anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom or protective barrier.

    • Sharing injection equipment – Needles, syringes, cookers, cottons, or water used for injecting drugs.

    • Parent-to-child transmission – During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. With proper medical care, people living with HIV can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their baby. It is extremely important to consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant and living with HIV.

    How HIV is Not Transmitted

    HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact or normal daily interactions. Examples include:

    • Kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or touching intact skin

    • Sharing utensils, phones, water fountains, or toilet seats

    • Airborne exposure, such as sneezing or coughing

    • Insect or animal bites

    HIV cannot enter the body through intact skin. Transmission only occurs through specific bodily fluids entering the bloodstream or mucous membranes. Saliva, sweat, and tears do not transmit HIV.

HIV Testing

In New York City, HIV care and treatment services are available to all residents, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

  • Why test? HIV testing is the only way to know your status. Regular testing is recommended for sexually active individuals and anyone at risk.

  • Free or low‑cost testing: Available for anyone 12 or older at city sexual health clinics, regardless of immigration status, and at many community clinics.

  • Types of tests:

    • Standard blood tests (results in a few days)

    • Rapid tests (results in 20 minutes or less)

    • Oral swab tests (no blood required)

  • Self‑testing: Free or low‑cost at‑home kits are available through community programs and national initiatives.

Find testing locations:

  • Use the NYC Health Map to search by ZIP code and borough.

  • Many NYC Health + Hospitals sites offer testing and same‑day linkage to care.

Prevention & PEP/PrEP

  • PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis) is medication taken before exposure that can prevent HIV infection.

  • PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis) is emergency medication that can prevent infection if started within 72 hours of exposure.

  • PrEP and PEP are available at NYC sexual health clinics, many community health centers, and NYC Health + Hospitals locations regardless of insurance.

HIV Care & Treatment

Services are available citywide and include:

  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medication management

  • Care coordination and medical case management

  • Support services, education, and adherence counseling

  • Integrated care (OB/GYN, dental, mental health, pharmacy)

  • Access to housing assistance and Ryan White services for eligible residents

Care teams help individuals manage HIV and lead healthy lives, with treatment designed to reduce viral load to undetectable levels, which keeps people healthy and prevents transmission.

HIV Testing Resources

Knowing your status is the first step in taking control of your health. In New York City, HIV testing and treatment are available to everyone ages 12 and older, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

Types of HIV Tests

  • Standard Lab Tests: Highly accurate blood tests; results in a few days.

  • Rapid Tests: Finger-stick or oral swabs; results in 20 minutes.

  • Self-Test Kits: Test in private. Request a free kit via the NYC Health Map.

Emergency: PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

If you think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, you can take emergency medication (PEP) to prevent infection.

  • Call the 24/7 NYC PEP Hotline: 844-3-PEPNYC (844-373-7692)

  • Action: Go to any Emergency Room or NYC Sexual Health Clinic immediately.

Where to Find Care by Borough

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue: 462 First Avenue. (Comprehensive HIV care & Pride Health Center)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan: 1901 First Avenue. (Specialized HIV/AIDS Excellence Center)

    • GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis): 307 W 38th St. (Testing, nutrition, and legal services)

    • Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: 356 W 18th St. (LGBTQ-focused primary care)

    • Apicha Community Health Center: 400 Broadway. (Specialized care for API and LGBTQ+ folks)

    • Alliance for Positive Change: 64 W 35th St. (Testing and peer support)

    • Gotham Health/Gouverneur: 227 Madison St. (Home to the Leicht Center for HIV care)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County: 451 Clarkson Ave. (HIV Center of Excellence)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull: 760 Broadway. (Pride Health Center & specialty care)

    • Callen-Lorde Brooklyn: 40 Flatbush Ave Ext. (Full HIV/STI & gender-affirming services)

    • Housing Works: 120 Lawrence St / 2640 Pitkin Ave. (Integrated health & housing)

    • Brooklyn Community Pride Center: 1360 Fulton St. (Community testing & support)

    • Gotham Health/Cumberland: 100 North Portland Ave. (Testing and primary care)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi: 1400 Pelham Pkwy S. (Health and Empowerment Center)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln: 234 E 149th St. (Designated AIDS Center)

    • Callen-Lorde Bronx: 3144 3rd Avenue. (LGBTQ-affirming primary care)

    • Boom!Health: 540 E Fordham Rd. (Testing, wellness, and harm reduction)

    • Gotham Health/Belvis: 545 E 142nd St. (Testing and primary care)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst: 79-01 Broadway. (Designated AIDS Center)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens: 82-70 164th St. (Comprehensive HIV/AIDS services)

    • Apicha Community Health Center: 82-11 37th Ave. (HIV specialty care & PrEP/PEP)

    • AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC): Rego Park / Far Rockaway. (Testing & case management)

  • Staten Island

    • Community Health Center of Richmond (CHASI): 56 Bay St. (Testing & linkage to care)

    • Gotham Health/Vanderbilt: 165 Vanderbilt Ave. (Testing and primary care)

    • Project Hospitality: 514 Bay St. (Supportive services and testing)Item description

Service

NYC Health + Hospitals

Find a Testing Site

General Info

National AIDS Hotline

Quick Resource Directory

Contact Info

1-844-NYC-4NYC

Text "TESTNYC" to 55676

Call 311

1-800-342-2437

Important Information

  • Confidentiality: Most sites offer anonymous or confidential testing.

  • Cost: Many of the nonprofit and H+H locations listed offer sliding-scale fees or free services if you are uninsured.

  • Immigration Status: You will not be asked about your immigration status at NYC Sexual Health Clinics or NYC Health + Hospitals locations.

HIV treatment (Antiretroviral Therapy or ART) has never been more effective. With modern medicine, most people can manage HIV with just one pill a day or even a long-acting injection every 1-2 months.

The Goal: Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

When you take HIV medication as prescribed and your viral load reaches an undetectable level, you cannot pass HIV to your partners through sex. Staying on treatment not only protects your health but also the health of your community.

Where to Access Treatment in NYC

In New York City, you are entitled to HIV care regardless of your ability to pay or immigration status.

  • The City’s public hospitals are Designated AIDS Centers (DACs) and offer specialized HIV primary care, pharmacy services, and mental health support.

    • Manhattan: Bellevue, Metropolitan

    • Brooklyn: Kings County, Woodhull

    • Bronx: Jacobi, Lincoln

    • Queens: Elmhurst, Queens Hospital

    • Staten Island: Gotham Health, Vanderbilt

    • Access Care: Call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to be connected to a specialist.

  • The following organizations provide "wrap-around" services, including housing assistance, food programs, and peer support alongside medical treatment.

    • GMHC (Manhattan): Long-term care coordination, nutrition programs, and the Keith Haring Food Pantry.

    • Callen-Lorde (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx): Comprehensive LGBTQ+ healthcare and HIV specialty pharmacy.

    • Apicha Community Health (Manhattan, Queens): Culturally competent care for API, LGBTQ+, and immigrant New Yorkers.

    • Alliance for Positive Change (Multiple Locations): Peer-led "Positive Life Workshops" and medical linkage.

    • Housing Works (Multiple Locations): Integrated "Healthcare for the Homeless" and stable housing for those living with HIV.

Paying for Treatment

If you do not have insurance, there are programs specifically designed to cover 100% of your HIV care costs.

  • ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program): Provides free HIV medications and primary care to uninsured or underinsured New Yorkers.

  • Ryan White Care Coordination: A city-wide program that helps you navigate your doctor visits and stay on your medication.

  • Amida Care & MetroPlusHealth: Special Needs Plans (SNPs) that provide targeted Medicaid coverage for people living with HIV.

Treatment Resources by Borough

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan: 1901 First Avenue. (Virology Clinic)

    • GMHC: 307 W 38th St. (Support services and peer navigation)

    • Alliance for Positive Change: 64 W 35th St. (Connection to care)

    • Ryan Health: Multiple locations. (Primary and HIV specialty care)Description text goes here

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County: 451 Clarkson Ave. (The H.O.P.E. Center)

    • SUNY Downstate/STAR Program: 450 Clarkson Ave. (Research and specialty treatment)

    • Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center: 650 Fulton St. (Community-based HIV care)

    • Housing Works (East New York): 2640 Pitkin Ave. (Community healthcare center)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi: 1400 Pelham Pkwy S. (Health and Empowerment Center)

    • St. Barnabas Hospital: 4422 Third Ave. (Designated AIDS Center)

    • Montefiore Medical Center: Multiple sites. (Infectious disease specialists)

    • BronxCare Health System: 1650 Selwyn Ave. (HIV/AIDS specialty clinic)

    • NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst: 79-01 Broadway. (Comprehensive care for all ages)

    • AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC): 161-21 Jamaica Ave. (Case management and pharmacy access)

    • Apicha Queens: 82-11 37th Ave. (LGBTQ+ and HIV specialty care)

    • Community Health Center of Richmond (CHASI): 56 Bay St. (Case management and treatment linkage)

    • Staten Island University Hospital: 475 Seaview Ave. (Specialized infectious disease clinic)

HIV Treatment Resources