Testing Together: A New CAMPsafe Program
CAMP Rehoboth has been doing HIV testing for the past 10 years. We have tested over 3,000 men and women. While most of our results that we have given out over the years have been negative, we have had positive results. Those who were newly diagnosed have been successfully referred to care. Staff has seen the test evolve from a swab test which took two weeks to get the results back to a finger stick blood test where the results come back in 10 minutes.
The men and women who have come in for a test are all unique. We have had men and women getting tested for their first time, those who had some scares and those starting new relationships. Situations have evolved over time but the message remains the same: Know your status. A few months ago, I was talking to a couple who came in for testing. They asked if they could be tested together. I had to tell them that testing is reserved for one person at a time due to confidentiality. They were disappointed but they understood. The question that was raised for our testing program was how we could create a better experience for couples who are entering into new relationships who wanted to test together. Testing Together was born.
Testing Together at CAMP Rehoboth will be the first program of its kind in Delaware. We have been chosen to pilot this program for the remainder of the year. This program will provide an opportunity for partners to take an HIV test together, get the test results together, and talk about the results with a trained counselor. Testing Together will allow couples to start an ongoing healthy conversation between themselves about HIV in the relationship, and allow them to talk openly about building a protection plan together.
When a couple arrives at CAMP Rehoboth, they will review the testing process and discuss how HIV impacts their specific relationship. They will then both be tested for HIV. The counselor will provide the results of the test and then help the couple develop a plan for the future. Testing Together focuses on helping the couple learn about their HIV status and develop a plan to address HIV in the relationship in the future.
If you are interested in getting tested together, please call us at 302-227-5620 and make an appointment.