Kind Clinic recently expanded their 101 W. Koenig Ln. location with a dedicated space for walk-in HIV/STI testing. The new space solely offers walk-in HIV/STI testing with its own entrance next door to the main entrance for Kind Clinic Austin — Koenig.
Walk-in testing patients who are experiencing symptoms related to an STI can also receive treatment at the same time as their testing visit. The walk-in service expands on the existing outreach program that offers testing in the community with a mobile testing van. Kind Clinic will also continue offering HIV/STI testing and treatment by appointment at all other locations.
“We have seen firsthand how the demand for our services through Kind Clinic—particularly walk-in testing—increased dramatically during the pandemic,” Megan Brunson, COO of Texas Health Action, said. “Our innovative outreach and testing team quickly converted administrative spaces to meet this need to offer uninterrupted service. This new space will allow us to make walk-in testing a permanent service in Austin.”
Kind Clinic, a program of Texas Health Action, offers free sexual health services in a safe and supportive environment regardless of race, creed, gender identity and expression, immigration status, sexual orientation or ability to pay. Kind Clinic also offers HIV/STI testing, STI treatment, HIV care, access to the HIV prevention medication PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), and gender affirming care by appointment.
“According to the recent Austin LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study, there is a great need for high-quality, affordable, culturally responsive, comprehensive health care for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Steven Tamayo, Kind Clinic outreach and testing manager, said. “Offering testing and treatment without appointments is crucial to meeting that need.”
Walk-in HIV/STI testing is available at the new Koenig location on a first-come, first-served basis for new and existing patients, Monday through Friday, 9am-12pm and 1:30-4:30pm.
The walk-in testing space at Kind Clinic Austin — Koenig is positioned just west of I-35, conveniently located near public transportation and major thoroughfares to North, Central and East Austin.
