HIV/STI Prevention

You’re not alone if you feel anxiety about HIV and STI testing. But we’re here to help with FREE testing by friendly, knowledgeable staff in a confidential and safe environment. For HIV testing, a tiny amount of blood from a finger-poke is all we need to give you results in 20 minutes. For STIs, three site (throat, rectal, and urine collection) chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is offered and a blood test for syphilis is offered.

In our Benton Harbor office, walk-in HIV testing hours are from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm every Wednesday. You can also schedule appointments as needed. Contact Beth at (269) 210-7583, or email Prevention@CARESswm.org for more info.

At our Kalamazoo location, walk-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and also by appointment by calling our Prevention Department at 269.210.7577. After hours appointments are available as well.

Not ready for a test? Feel free to call the Prevention Department to talk.

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Free condoms and lube are available at both offices at the front desk Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

PrEP/PEP Navigation

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a newer HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use medications to greatly reduce their risk of becoming infected if exposed to HIV. It is a great option for people to consider that prevents HIV. Our team can answer your questions, connect you with local PrEP doctors, help you with insurance coverage, and more.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is for someone recently exposed to HIV.  PEP is intended for urgent situations and must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.  CARES can help guide you through this process.

Call 269.210.7577 to schedule an appointment. After hours appointments are also available.