The Role of Health Education Specialists in Conducting Rapid HIV Testing

There are over one million people living with HIV in the United States; an estimated 16% are unaware of their status. More innovative testing strategies are needed, as evidence suggests that persons most at risk for HIV, or who may present with early infections, are not being reached. Expanding the role of health education specialists can make HIV testing routine and more accessible, and help achieve the national goals of decreasing HIV infection and increasing knowledge of HIV status. This paper focuses on the role of Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES)/Master CHES as being professionally prepared to conduct HIV testing.