Free HIV tests today

Student Health Services will partner with the Tampa/Hillsborough Action Plan to administer free HIV tests today from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Students wishing to receive the free test are advised to arrive at the SHS Annex early, as it will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Students should expect to wait in line at least 30 minutes, and possibly over an hour.

Laura Rusnak, Senior Health Educator for SHS said that in past years there have been between 80 and 120 students waiting in line.

“We’ve had a lot of phone calls,” Rusnak said. “However, we do this a couple of times a year … this is not the only opportunity.”SHS offers HIV testing year-round for a fee of $30, which is not covered by the University insurance plan. An incentive to paying for the test is “rapid testing,” in which students can receive their results in as little as one day. Those taking part in free testing will normally wait about a month for the results.

“This is a great opportunity for students who might be financially challenged,” Rusnak said. “They might not otherwise get tested.”