Thrift Stores Sell Shoppers on HIV Testing

In 1997, Out of the Closet thrift stores, a chain based in Los Angeles and funded by the nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, began offering free HIV testing, a service now available in six of 17 stores. "Our job is to end AIDS and stop the epidemic," said Michael Weinstein, foundation president. "You can only do that through testing and prevention." Foundation officials say the stores' $1.2 million in yearly profits help fund a nursing home and 13 HIV/AIDS clinics in California, Florida and New York.

Out of the Closet testing sites are placed in communities shown to have a higher incidence of HIV-positive results, said Karen Mall, who directs the foundation's testing programs. The newest store opened in September on Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of the gay bar district. Because of the popularity of testing at the thrift stores, the foundation has become one of the largest testing agencies in the county, Weinstein said. Last year the stores administered 7,000 tests. The atmosphere is less intimidating and the no-appointment needed sign-ups are more convenient than most hospitals or clinics offer, Weinstein said. In early years, the foundation paid for the thrift store testing, but this year the county Office of AIDS Programs and Policy is picking up the $600,000 bill.

Shoppers who test take a three-minute oral swab test and return for the results one week later. Because some are reluctant to provide their full name, those who test can give their full name, first name, or an alias. No matter the preference, all results are kept confidential. There's also an added layer of comfort at the thrift stores, said Mall. Everyone, regardless of actual purpose seems to be at the thrift store to shop. "They're under a cloak of anonymity," Mall said. For more information on Out of the Closet stores and testing locations, call 323-860-5200.

Back to other CDC news for November 8, 2001

Previous Updates