Prevention Center

Our Prevention Center offers free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing, hepatitis C testing, free safe sex kits and educational materials to the public.

We pride ourselves on a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our Prevention Center welcomes everyone regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance.

All members of our Prevention Team are Qualified Professional Test Counselors (QPTC State Certified). We use OraSure products for our HIV and Hep C testing. All tests are quick, easy, and painless.

Get Tested today

Harm Reduction Vending Machines (HRVM)

When we think about vending machines, we imagine candy bars, chips & soda. But here in Rhode Island, through the AIDS Care Ocean State Prevention Center, vending machines are being used to dispense harm reduction tools that can help prevent overdoses and reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Through these vending machines, individuals can access free, sterile syringes, rapid tests for sexually transmitted infections, naloxone (Narcan®), wound care & hygiene kits, and fentanyl test strips any time of day or night.

ACOS Trailblazing Nationwide in the Harm Reduction Movement

Check out ACOS interview in conjunction with the RI Dept. of Health on the Public Health Out Loud podcast entitled, "Not Your Average Vending Machine: How RI Dispenses Free Harm Reduction Tools 24/7"

Click here to watch the short video of our Prevention Supervisor, Ray Joseph, and our HRVM being highlighted nationwide.

Click here to watch ABC Nightly News segment highlighted our Harm Reduction Program and RI as the first in the country to offer safe injection sites.

Click here to watch the "Customer Spotlight- AIDS Care Ocean State Harm Reduction Vending Machines" brought to you by Intelligent Dispensing Solutions.

ABC 6 Discusses the Opioid Epidemic with Ray Joseph, Prevention Supervisor for ACOS and Miriam Hospital's Dr. Chan

While the opioid epidemic continues to ravage the United States, one program at AIDS Care Ocean State is helping to keep HIV transmission and overdose-related deaths to a minimum in Rhode Island. Our ENCORe Program statistically proves the reduction of transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis. The vital outreach program reaches thousands across the state, both in our BroadMed location and in the communities where intravenous drug use is at its highest.

The aim of our programs is to ensure clients are safe and healthy, while maintaining a high quality of life. For more information call 401-781-0665 or send us an email.

Get Prepped for PrEP

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a medication taken by people who don’t have HIV, but who are at high risk of getting infected. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is very effective (estimated 99%) at preventing HIV infection.

PrEP is available only by prescription, and typically requires an HIV test to be performed. If you are local to Rhode Island, our clinicians can refer you for testing through the Miriam Hospital clinic.

Outside Rhode Island?

Find the nearest clinic

Many may have specific times or require an appointment, so calling ahead is highly recommended.

Hepatitis C, A Silent Epidemic