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June 24, 2025    

Parkland to host no-cost testing events on National HIV Testing Day

Testing and education remain critical tools in the fight against HIV

DALLAS — This National HIV Testing Day (June 27), Parkland Health will host three HIV testing events across Dallas aimed at promoting early detection and education on HIV prevention and treatment resources. In 2023, Dallas County reported 845 new HIV diagnoses, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Parkland, in collaboration with KFF's Greater Than HIV program and Walgreens, is joining forces with community providers across the nation to offer tens of thousands of no-cost rapid HIV tests in stores and through self-test distribution on Friday, June 27.

Testing will be available at the following Walgreens locations in Dallas on Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:

• 3418 McKinney Ave., Dallas, 75204

• 5101 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, 75241

• 1104 Westmoreland Road, Dallas, 75211

Parkland testing counselors and community health workers will be on hand to share the latest information on HIV prevention and treatment, and to connect individuals with educational resources and support for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV care. PrEP is a highly effective medication taken to prevent HIV infection. When used as prescribed, it reduces the risk of contracting HIV through sex by about 99%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It also lowers the risk of HIV transmission from injection drug use by at least 74%.

“Events like the National HIV Testing Day, in collaboration with Walgreens, allow Parkland to educate our communities. A more informed community can break down stigma and help ensure everyone can access the necessary resources,” said Armando Quiroz, HIV test counselor at the ACCESS clinic in Parkland’s Moody Outpatient Center. “By working together, we can foster a culture of awareness and support. Encourage friends and loved ones to get tested. Knowing your HIV status is a powerful act of self-care.”

In addition to Friday’s events, no-cost HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing, treatment, and STI education is available year-round at Parkland, including at the ACCESS Clinic at the Moody Outpatient Center, Bluitt-Flowers Health Center and Southeast Dallas Health Center. Parkland offers an STD hotline available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experts are ready to answer your questions and help you find testing services. Call 214-2NO-STDS (214-266-7837) for assistance.

The mission of the Parkland HIV Services Department is to help end the HIV epidemic by delivering high-quality treatment and prevention services. This includes ensuring timely connection to care for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, supporting patients in staying engaged with their care, helping them achieve and maintain undetectable viral loads and enhancing access to other vital prevention resources.

“By creating accessible spaces for education, testing and connection, we help people know their HIV status and get linked to care. Parkland has long been a leader in this work, meeting people where they are, building trust and advancing health equity across Dallas County,” said Ellen Kitchell, MD, Medical Director of HIV Services at Parkland Health.

For more information on services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.