Student Health Services

HIV Peer Testing

HIV Testers are Oberlin College students from a variety of backgrounds and interests who share a common goal of informing students of their HIV status, educating the community about the importance of getting tested, and reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.  

Testers are volunteers who commit fours hours per week to the HIV Peer Testing program. Testers are also expected to be involved with HIV Educators, a student organization that aims to increase HIV/AIDS awareness on the community level.

Applying to be a tester

The application process for becoming an HIV Tester occurs at the end of the semester before new tester trainings. Empty spots depend on current testers graduating, going abroad or leaving the peer testing program. If you would like to receive an email when applications are available, stop by the testing office during testing hours and the tester there can help you out and answer any questions you may have.

Apply

Send an email to hiv@oberlin.edu  and we'll send you the application.

About
The HIV Peer Testers are student volunteers who are trained to provide free, confidential, anonymous, oral HIV antibody tests to students of Oberlin College.

Confidential
This means that everything you and the peer tester talk about stays between you and the tester. Testers will never approach you and mention your test session. You are free to approach the tester. Peer testers never disclose to each other who they have tested.

Anonymous
This means that your name or other identifying information (birth date, SSN, T-number, etc.) is never connected to your test or your test session. You will be given a random number, which is the only thing that connects you to your test.

Oral
There is no blood involved with this test. Instead, we will painlessly collect an oral sample using the OraQuick system.

Antibody
This test isn’t looking for HIV. Instead, it’s picking-up on your body’s natural reaction to being infected with the virus–antibodies. That’s why it’s called an antibody test.

Where to get tested

  • HIV Peer Testers — This testing takes place in Wilder 308. The test is administered by an Oberlin College student and sponsored by Student Health Services.  This testing is done on a walk-in basis, and is FREE, anonymous and confidential.
  • Hospitals and Physicians — Most hospitals, clinics, and family doctors offer HIV testing. Keep in mind that this may cost you money, may not be covered by your health insurance, and is not necessarily anonymous.
  • Oberlin SIC — Sexual Information Center is in Wilder 203, and is open every day from 4–6 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 8–10 p.m. SIC is a student organization that sells 33 brands of condoms, plus lube, dental dams, finger cots, and other sexual health supplies. They have a selection of books to borrow, and are always available to confidentially discuss any issue or question. They also offer question-free rides to local area clinics.
  • Family Planning Services of Lorain  offers a wide range of STI, pregnancy, and birth control services all for free or reduced cost based on income. Call (440) 322-7526  to make an appointment.
  • If you are outside of Oberlin or would prefer to get tested elsewhere, gettested.cdc.gov  has a database of HIV testing locations.