Services
Testing
The Drop-In Center provides free, oral, rapid HIV testing Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to about 6:00 p.m. with the last test beginning at 5:30 p.m. Please plan to spend about 30 minutes at the Drop-In Center for your test. Usually, there is no wait to be tested. We do not accept appointments; all testing is strictly walk-in and on a first-come, first-served basis.
About HIV Testing
The OraSure and OraQuick tests are oral screens that require an oral sample from your gum line. This is an HIV ANTIBODY test. When someone becomes infected with HIV, the immune system produces HIV antibodies in an attempt to fight off the virus. Research has shown it can take up to 6 months for the HIV antibodies to be detected on an HIV test. This 6 month window period applies with all HIV tests. If you have become infected with HIV within the last 6 months, it is possible that it may not show up on an HIV antibody test. Based on your risk factors, your test counselor may recommend that you return for a follow-up testing to get you outside that window period.
The OraSure and OraQuick tests were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are highly accurate. The entire testing process takes about 30 minutes. The OraQuick rapid test can provide us with preliminary results in 20 minutes. All testing is accompanied by HIV prevention counseling.
If you are interested in getting tested, you can come by the Drop-In Center any time during business hours. There is no appointment necessary. If you have questions related to HIV or STDs, you can call our confidential information line at 540-982-2437.
Testing in the New River Valley
The Drop-In Center maintains a satellite office at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Virginia for residents of the New River Valley. The office is located on the 2nd floor of Schiffert Health Center and testing is on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month from 9am to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. For an appointment or more information, please contact Kristen Rice at 540-815-4664 or kristenr@councilofcommunityservices.org.
Case Management
The Drop-In Center provides Case Management to incarcerated and recently incarcerated individuals living with HIV. Free and confidential Case Management services include assistance finding housing, work, resources, medical care, access to medications, support and other help transitioning after release. Case Management services can begin pre- or postrelease. For more information, please contact Mary Capps, Case Manager at 540-353-9888 or maryc@councilofcommunityservices.org
Other Services
Education, Speakers & Field Testing
If desired, staff from the Drop-In Center will come to your agency or facility and provide free prevention/education services and confidential HIV Testing. We request a minimum 2 weeks notice for scheduling purposes. The Drop-In Center staff can also assist you in finding speakers on a variety of HIV, STD, GLBTQ, issues. This requires more advance notice for the convenience and scheduling needs of the speakers.
Condoms & Literature
The Drop-In Center houses free magazines, and informational brochures focused on HIV, STDs, and other health and social related issues. We also have a variety of free latex and polyurethane condoms available.
If you need a quantity of literature/brochures or condoms, please give us at least 24 hours notice so that we may ensure that we have enough on hand to meet your needs. Condoms and literature are free, but a donation is appreciated for supplying them for your group or event.
Library
The Drop-In Center Community Library has a lending library of books, videos and DVD’s. We ask for a permanent address and a small deposit that will be returned to you when the library items are returned.
Support Groups
The Center offers two ongoing support groups. One for HIV positive individuals and another for the Transgender community.
The HIV Positive support group meets every 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
TRANSformation Roanoke, a social support group for transgender individuals, meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
