Pennsylvania: Philadelphia to Speed HIV Screening

In the coming months, Philadelphia plans to significantly increase HIV testing through three new mobile units and 16,500 rapid tests that are intended to reach people who do not routinely access medical care, said officials. The testing kits and the three units -- bringing the city's total to four -- will be paid for with $1.5 million in new state funds, state Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia) said while announcing the allocation last month.

An estimated 10,000 Philadelphians, or about 58 percent of the statewide total, are believed to be living with HIV/AIDS.

Workers at a range of city agencies are undergoing certification training to use the 20-minute rapid tests. John Cella, director of the AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO), said the city hopes to make the kits available in emergency rooms, homeless shelters, substance abuse clinics and halfway houses by June.

Once the rapid tests are established across the city, they will continue to be available thanks to existing funds for the AACO, said Cella.

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