Since 1988, December 1st has been observed as World AIDS Day. It shows that this day has long been dedicated to raising awareness. The AIDS pandemic and the HIV epidemic have affected and continue to affect millions of Americans. At Walmart, we believe we can make a difference.
The difference starts with the communities we serve with the access we create. Today, Virginia is proud to announce an HIV screening pilot at two Walmart pharmacies. During the pilot phase, free HIV screening and results will be provided.
The pilot, scheduled to last three months, is an important first step in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the community. Appropriate care is possible when awareness and options are available. Store 2160 in Petersburg and Store 2795 in Ashland are already community specialty pharmacies (SPOCs) dedicated to HIV. This means she is staffed by HIV-trained pharmacists and community health workers who understand patients’ needs and are uniquely equipped to provide HIV support. People with AIDS are on the whole journey to health.
And with more than 4,600 pharmacies in the U.S. and 90% of the U.S. population within 10 miles of a Walmart, we have the opportunity to reach people who might not otherwise seek care. This new testing opportunity takes our commitment to care one step further.
The test, administered by Walmart pharmacists, requires a simple finger prick blood sample and takes 20 to 30 minutes to provide results. While performing the test, the pharmacist will discuss other preventive measures, such as sexually transmitted disease testing, contraceptive use, the need for pregnancy tests, medications that can treat or prevent the spread of HIV, and any vaccines the patient may need.
It is important to note that these tests are screening, not diagnostic. If a test comes back positive, we can help patients work with their GP or Department of Health to order a confirmatory test.
We are particularly proud of the ability of Walmart pharmacists to support patients with HIV/AIDS. And it wasn’t without their extra efforts.
Less than a year after launching our HIV training program with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, all pharmacists at 85 HIV SPOC locations have completed the program. This training enables pharmacists and clinicians to support patients with HIV/AIDS or at risk for HIV/AIDS through clinically and culturally relevant education, enabling more compassionate care.
One of the fundamental principles of community specialty pharmacy is to overcome the stigma and associated social barriers often associated with HIV/AIDS. To that end, we are expanding his SPOC to where the need is greatest.
William ‘Bill’ Presley is Store 2160’s Pharmacy Manager. His passion for care is personal. Bill said HIV affected both his brother and his mother. His leadership and commitment to this cause will have a significant impact on the communities he serves in the central Virginia region.
“If you have information, you can protect yourself. I just hope we can do a good enough job that people feel comfortable coming here and talking to us,” Bill said. “Then we can guide them to where they need to go.”