Free rapid HIV tests and emergency contraception will be offered Downtown Thursday.
The event will be held by the Planned Parenthood of South Central New York, Inc. (PPSCNY) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 117 Hawley St.
Emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill, can usually sell for upwards of $40 and can reduce the risk of pregnancy for up to five days after unprotected sex.
“The sooner EC is taken after unprotected sex, the better it works,” Ingrid Husisian, director of public communications at PPSCNY, said.
According to Husisian, chain pharmacies like CVS and Eckerd regularly sell EC for up to $40, while the pills sell for $25 at PPSCNY.
“Women should be able to keep emergency contraception in their medicine cabinet just in case they ever need it,” Debra Marcus, chief executive officer of PPSCNY, said.
According to Husisian, though this is the first time a free EC day is being done in Binghamton, it has worked around the country.
Everyone is required to show photo ID in order to get their prescription filled on the spot, Husisian said. However, those who are under 18 will have to see a clinician first.
According to Husisian, the process is confidential for everyone.
“[President George] Bush decided that women have to be 18 and over, but there is no reason for this since it is legal in other countries. It is safe, effective and reliable,” Husisian said.
Men and women can both receive a packet of the pills. According to Husisian, in 2007, 600 of the 10,000 patients were men.
“We are surprised we don’t see more men,” Husisian said.
The rapid HIV test takes 20 minutes and can be done via a painless finger prick or mouth swab for those who don’t like needles.
Also featured during the event will be pre-test counseling on risk reduction and post-test counseling.
“Learning your HIV status is critical to protecting your own health as well as that of others,” Marcus said. “When people know they’re infected, they can get health care and medications to remain healthy for years.”
“In addition, they prevent further spread of the disease,” Marcus added.
The center can be reached by taking the OCCT bus (LeRoy Southside or Southside Main).
“We encourage appointments for STD testing or treatment and birth control,” Husisian said. “Income is not a barrier; we never turn anyone away. Our mission is access.”
The Binghamton office is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Fridays it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.