Nashville CARES is Offering Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing for Nashville Pride Festival Entry

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Focus Mid-South

Ray Rico, a Latinx advocate, owns a digital marketing agency and publishes Focus LGBT magazine, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in Tennessee and the Mid-South. He champions HIV advocacy, fighting stigma and discrimination. Through his work, Ray strives for a more inclusive society.
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Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville CARES will be offering free, drive-thru, rapid antigen COVID-19 testing before the Nashville Pride Festival on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021, at our 633 Thompson Lane location in Nashville. HIV tests will also be available. 

This year, the Nashville Pride Festival requires proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination which means receiving the final recommended dose 14 days before the festival; or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours (3 days) before Saturday, September 18th.  Individuals testing for COVID-19 with Nashville CARES will receive their negative test results by email before Saturday, September 18th.  Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will be immediately notified as results become available. 

HIV screenings are rapid testing platforms with results available in less than three minutes.

Drive-thru testing will start at 9:00 AM and will end promptly at 7:00 PM.  Please note:

  • All services are free of charge.
  • All testing and results are confidential, following HIPAA guidelines.
  • Anyone testing positive for HIV will be referred to Nashville CARES My House Clinic for Rapid ART within 24 hours of diagnosis.  Rapid ART is designed to initiate ART (antiretroviral therapy) as close to the time of diagnosis as possible.
  • Condoms, lube, and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) referrals are available upon request.
  • All CDC recommended practices and safety precautions will be observed during COVID-19/HIV testing.  Participants will be asked to wear a mask before and after the test process.

To reserve a COVID-19 test, contact Lisa Binkley, Associate Director of Prevention, at (615) 761-4474 to schedule a test time.  COVID-19 tests are available while supplies last.

About Nashville CARES:  

Nashville CARES is Tennessee’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization.

Our Mission: Nashville CARES’ mission is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. We work to achieve this through education, advocacy, and support for those at risk for or living with HIV.

Our vision is a community where HIV infections are rare. When they do occur, everyone with HIV/AIDS has access to the care, treatment, and support to achieve optimal health and self-sufficiency without stigma or discrimination.

Last year Nashville CARES served more than 50,000 Middle Tennesseans infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, including HIV prevention education to more than 29,000 youth and adults, more than 10,000 FREE confidential HIV tests, and essential support services to 3,400 men, women, and children living with the disease. To learn more, visit us at NashvilleCARES.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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