Free testing now available without an appointment
Kind Clinic—a program of Texas Health Action that offers sexual health services in a safe and supportive environment—expanded its San Antonio clinic at 730 Isom Road with a dedicated space for walk-in HIV/STI testing. The new walk-in testing site, alongside the recently opened onsite Avita Pharmacy, offers new and existing patients the opportunity to receive STI testing without an appointment. Patients can also access treatment at Kind Clinic if they test positive for HIV or any other STI, or if they wish to start the HIV prevention medication known as PrEP.
The convenience of co-location
“Our San Antonio location is the second city to feature our co-located model, which brings together a Kind Clinic, a separate community walk-in testing center, and an Avita Pharmacy all in one space. This model demonstrates our commitment to innovating care that reduces new HIV transmissions and ensures patients can access testing, start PrEP and get their medications from a trusted pharmacy partner in one convenient location.” Juan Benitez, chief advancement officer of Texas Health Action and Kind Clinic, said. “Free and accessible testing, with preventative HIV care options like PrEP, can break down healthcare barriers and empower individuals to take control of their sexual health, especially in San Antonio, where many seek providers who understand the cultural and logistical challenges of accessing care.”
Patient support to overcome barriers to care
According to a 2023 study in the Open Aids Journal, Latin American immigrant MSM (men who have sex with men) have low HIV testing rates influenced by various factors, including knowledge and awareness about HIV; stigma, discrimination, and confidence in health services; lack of knowledge about their rights; migration and documentation status; and personal, cultural and religious beliefs.
New and current patients who receive STI testing and begin care with Kind Clinic have access to the Patient Support Services team, which includes patient advocates with expertise in serving the LGBTQIA+ community, including Latine individuals who may face cultural stigma or other barriers to care. The team also includes case managers who assist patients diagnosed with HIV in understanding their diagnosis and initiating care, as well as provide additional support to HIV-positive patients by helping them overcome barriers to comprehensive healthcare.
Kind Clinic offers comprehensive sexual health services including HIV/STI testing, STI treatment, HIV care, access to the HIV prevention medications PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), and gender affirming care by appointment.
First-come, first-serve - no appointment needed
Walk-in HIV/STI testing is available at the new San Antonio location on a first-come, first-served basis for new and existing patients, Monday and Tuesday from 10 am to 4pm and Wednesday from 12 pm to 6pm. Click here to visit our Walk-in Testing Page and learn more.
