HIV Testing

Indiana University Bloomington: Free HIV Testing Available to the IU Community

Indiana University’s commitment to student success is grounded in equipping students with the resources they need to succeed in today’s globally interconnected world. These resources include those that promote students’ safety and well-being.

That’s why IU Bloomington culture centers, in partnership with Positive Link, are coordinating free HIV testing events beginning in September. While the event is held in a public place to increase visibility and decrease the stigma associated with sexual health, all identifying information and testing records are kept strictly confidential.

Globally, 1.3 million people were newly infected with the virus as of 2022. In Indiana alone, there are 13,900 people infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, 17 percent of Hoosiers with the virus are unaware of their status, which means they aren’t getting the care and treatment they need. Additionally, people ages 13-34 are the fastest-growing population for infection and new diagnoses.

Widespread misperception about one’s risk of HIV is among the greatest barriers to advancing prevention, treatment, and care among college and university students.

Complicating the picture is that many college-age students experience a newfound sense of independence and invincibility at college that can distort their perceptions of what sexual behaviors are considered high risk. Through IU Bloomington’s cultural centers, Indiana University aims to raise awareness about HIV and provide all students with access to testing services, information, and treatment.

Testing dates will occur one Wednesday each month from 5 to 7 p.m. at the following IU cultural centers. HIV tests are done with blood from a finger prick; results are ready in 30 minutes or less. All services provided are free. No insurance is needed.