In early 2021, Kanawha County faced an HIV outbreak linked mostly to injection drug use. In February 2021, a presentation to a local HIV task force called it the most concerning outbreak in the country.
In March 2021, the county health department said the COVID-19 pandemic might be cutting HIV testing nationwide, and it set out plans to expand testing and care. The plans included a third state disease intervention specialist for the county, wraparound services with community partners, a mobile HIV testing unit, and point-of-care testing with the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority.
From April 2021, the health department and community partners held free testing events at public sites in Charleston and nearby towns. The events also offered linkage to care. By May 10, 2021, the health department had tested 124 people at these events since April 6, an average of about 14 tests per event day.
See expanded HIV testing opportunities continue for the next stage of this work.