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HIV / AIDS Services
Frederick County Health Department provides free confidential HIV screening/testing, treatment services, and partner notification services.
As of 2022, Maryland is ranked #14 in the United States for new diagnosis. If a person learns that they are HIV positive early and takes their medication regularly, they can live a long and healthy life.
The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. For people with certain risk factors, CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year.
The Frederick County Health Department offers free and confidential testing.
Monday from 8 AM - 4 PM
- No appointment is needed.
- Testing is available at the Frederick County Health Department's Golden Mile office located at 1100 West Patrick Street, Unit H Frederick, MD 21703.
Tuesday and Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM
- No appointment is needed to have a test on these days.
- To get tested on these days, enter the Health Department's main location (350 Montevue Lane) through entrance A (the entrance with the flag poles) and turn right into the Community Health Services lobby.
- Tell the front desk you are at the health department for CTR (counseling, testing and referral).
- A member of the HIV team will meet you in the lobby and walk with you to the testing room.
Wednesday and Thursday by appointment only
- To schedule an appointment please call 301-600-3117.
The Frederick County Health department also offers the following services
- Case Management service are available for eligible recipients.
- Support Group for HIV positive individuals: call 301-600-3117.
- Partner notification assistance.
The Frederick County Health Department offers referral services for both Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (Pep)
What is Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be used by people who are HIV-negative to reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV if they come in contact with the virus. PrEP is taken once a day.
- Studies have shown PrEP can reduce risk of getting HIV by 92-99% if taken everyday.
- PrEP can be used for heterosexual, bisexual, gay and transgender individuals, and also by injection drug users and pregnant women.
- It is important to know that PrEP is not a cure for HIV and it cannot protect you from pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STI), like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
What is Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?
- PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner PEP is started after a possible HIV exposure, the better. Every hour counts.
- It is recommended that someone who has been exposed go to an emergency room as soon as possible.
- For more information on PEP, visit the NIH webpage.