Health Services and the CSU offer free rapid HIV testing on campus
The university’s Health Services will be setting up a rapid HIV testing clinic in collaboration with the Concordia Student Union (CSU) on November 26 and 27. Students can drop by the CSU office in room H-711 of the Henry F. Hall Building from 12 to 4 p.m. for free testing.
The steps are simple. After gathering your information, a nurse will prick your finger to collect a few drops of blood. You will get your results in about a minute, followed by a post-test discussion with the nurse. Testing is confidential and the whole process only takes 20 minutes.
As part of a regular health routine, Health Services recommends STI testing — including for HIV — every six to 12 months for anyone who is sexually active.
Gabriella Szabo, a health promotion specialist at Health Services, emphasizes the importance of regular HIV testing.
“HIV is not curable, but treatment is highly effective. However, if left untreated, HIV can have serious repercussions on your health,” she says.
“If you do test positive, we will connect you with health professionals to provide you with the treatment you need to live healthfully and avoid transmitting HIV to others.”
Health Services also provides information about where to get condoms on campus and PrEP and PEP in Montreal to prevent HIV infection.
This pop-up clinic is part of an effort to make STI testing more accessible at Concordia. The tests were purchased through the support of the Strategic Directions Innovations Fund.
Visit the Concordia Student Union office in room H-711 of the Henry F. Hall Building (1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.) from 12 to 4 p.m. on November 26 or 27 for free and confidential rapid HIV testing.
