In response to community needs, Choices now offers a confidential HIV Counseling and Testing Program for both women and men. All Choices counselors have been New York State trained.

The program encompasses two visits. In the first visit, there will be pre-test counseling, followed by the lab test. Post-test counseling, along with the test results, will comprise the second visit.

Facts About HIV

HIV is not transmitted from one person to another through any form of casual, non-initimate contact. HIV is transmitted through direct blood-to-blood or semen-to-blood exchange. Direct contact with other body fluids containing blood of an infected person also may increase the risk of HIV infection

Some Questions and Answers about HIV and AIDS:

Who is at risk for HIV infection?
Most cases of AIDS are linked with unprotected sexual activity and intravenous (IV) drug use.

How do women get HIV infection?
Women become infected by engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse or by sharing IV drug needles and works. More than 50% of women with HIV infection and AIDS have used drugs.

Can a person with no symptoms transmit HIV?
Yes. Initially, most HIV infected people have no symptoms and are not even aware they are infected. Any infected person may transmit the virus to another person through sexual contact or sharing drug injection equipment.

Choices accepts HIV positive patients for all services. There are no special procedures or requirements for HIV positive patients.