The Hope Medical Dental Clinic in Dover is now offering free HIV testing on select days each month. The clinic provides rapid testing on the first and third Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services. Daniel Condoluci-Smith, Executive Director of Hope Medical, says the collaboration made sense for both organizations.
“It was a natural partnership. It just worked really well,” he told DPM.
Delaware continues to rank among the highest states for new HIV cases. According to Hope Medical, about 3,900 people in the state are currently living with HIV. The clinic notes that the actual number is likely higher, as many people remain undiagnosed.
Condoluci-Smith also emphasized that HIV affects more than the LGBTQ community. He pointed out that intravenous drug users and senior citizens are also at increased risk.
The testing process is designed to be accessible. No medical records, identification, or paperwork is required. The rapid HIV test takes only about 20 minutes to complete.
Professionals from Brandywine Counseling will be on-site to conduct the tests. They are trained counselors who can offer support, guidance, and referrals immediately after testing.
“The people who are testers with Brandywine are trained counselors. They’re empathetic and compassionate,” said Condoluci-Smith. “They also have a lot of resources, both within their organization and outside it.”
Anyone who tests positive will be referred to a third-party provider to confirm the result and begin follow-up care.
