Parkland to host no-cost testing events on National HIV Testing Day
CHNA findings underscore urgent need for HIV awareness, prevention and connection to care.
In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, Parkland Health will host three community HIV testing events across Dallas County aimed at increasing awareness, encouraging early detection and connecting individuals to prevention and treatment resources.
New findings from the 2025 Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), led jointly by Parkland and Dallas County Health and Human Services, highlight HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as an ongoing public health priority across the region.
The assessment found that community members identified HIV among the health topics they most want to learn more about, alongside chronic disease prevention and management. Residents also emphasized the need for greater access to health education, preventive services and trusted healthcare resources where they live.
Parkland, in collaboration with KFF's Greater Than HIV program and Walgreens, is joining community partners nationwide to offer no-cost rapid HIV testing, point-of-care syphilis screening and educational resources on Saturday, June 27.
Testing will be available at the following Walgreens locations from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
• 1104 S. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, 75211
• 5101 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, 75241
• 401 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite, 75149
Parkland testing counselors and community health workers will be on-site to provide HIV testing, point-of-care syphilis screening and education on HIV prevention and treatment services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and getting connected to HIV care. PrEP is a highly effective medication that can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when taken as prescribed.
“The latest CHNA findings reinforce what we see every day in our communities, people want more information about HIV and better access to prevention and testing services,” said Jonathan Gute, Grants and Research Program Manager of the ACCESS Clinic at Parkland. “Knowing your HIV status is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. HIV is highly treatable, and when people know their status early, they can access treatment, stay healthy and help prevent transmission.”
The CHNA also found that community members emphasized the importance of reducing stigma, building trust and increasing access to preventive health services and screenings in their neighborhoods. Participants highlighted the need for trusted community-based education and healthcare resources that make it easier for people to seek care and stay engaged in their health.
In addition to the June 27 events, no-cost HIV and STI testing, treatment and education services are available year-round at Parkland locations, including the ACCESS Clinic in the Moody Outpatient Center, Bluitt-Flowers Health Center and Southeast Dallas Health Center.
Parkland also offers an STI hotline Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Specialists are available to answer questions and help connect individuals with testing and treatment resources. Call 214-266-7837 for assistance.
The mission of Parkland's HIV Services Department is to help end the HIV epidemic by delivering high-quality treatment and prevention services, ensuring timely linkage to care and supporting patients in living longer, healthier lives.
“HIV testing remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve individual and community health,” said Ellen Kitchell, MD, Medical Director of HIV Services at Parkland Health. “The CHNA makes clear that prevention, education and access to trusted care continue to be essential needs across Dallas County. By making testing convenient and accessible, we can help more people know their status, access lifesaving treatment and protect their health.”
For more information about services available through Parkland, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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