On National HIV Testing Day, a Mobile Testing Unit Comes To The Retreat

A mobile testing van offer free and confidential rapid HIV testing at The Retreat offices in East Hampton on National HIV Testing Day, Thursday, from 10 to 11 a.m. 

The arrival of the SmartWheels, a Planned Parenthood vehicle, not only allows for testing and brings awareness, but also marks the beginning of a new partnership between the two organizations.

The Retreat, whose offices are located at 13 Goodfriend Drive, has been serving the community for 26 years as the East End’s only domestic violence service agency. Specializing in helping those suffering from physical, sexual and mental abuse, The Retreat operates a year-round shelter.

Jeffery Friedman, The Retreat’s executive director, laid out the reasons for the two groups joining together. “Very often you see organizations working in these silos — nonprofits that deal with only one issue. We’re trying to bring together a more holistic approach," he said.

According to recent statistics, 1.2 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV or AIDS. Out of that number, one in five does not know they have the disease. With roughly 12 percent of HIV/AIDS positive women having contracted the disease through sexual violence from a partner, Long Island’s high HIV/AIDS rate, and one in four women likely to suffer from domestic violence in their lifetime, the partnership between Planned Parenthood and The Retreat is not just convenient, but necessary, he said.

“We aren’t experts in everything,” Friedman said.

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, the local branch of the national organization focused on women’s reproductive issues, will be providing testing.

The biggest component HIV and domestic violence have in common is the social stigma around discussing them. “Both are hush hush topics,” he said.

“We’re working on eliminating the stigma around both HIV and domestic violence by talking about it, giving people a better chance to receive treatment,” Friedman said. With regards to Planned Parenthood sending their mobile testing van he said, "I can't think of a better way to provide it for them."

Women who test positive for HIV will immediately be given treatment options. Abused women in particular are at a high risk for contracting HIV due to potential sexual violence by a partner, a cheating partner who may contract the disease elsewhere and spread it, the inability to talk to an overbearing partner about safe sex or possible coercion into having unprotected sex with outside individuals, Friedman said. 

If you or someone you know is in need of help, you may contact The Retreat on their hotline: (631) 329-2200. Planned Parenthood's East End Location is located in Riverhead at 550 East Main Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact them directly at: 1 (800) 230- PLAN (7526).