HIV Testing Plummeted During Pandemic

Brad McElya, PharmD, Walgreens Director of Specialty Health Solutions discusses the National HIV Testing Day this past June 27 and how Walgreens worked with Greater Than AIDS and local health departments and community organizations to host the largest coordinated HIV testing event in the nation. He talks about why HIV impacts certain communities more than others, the work done by health departments and community organizations to End the Epidemic, and how pharmacists are a valuable resource for HIV testing and treatment, including PrEP.

Brad  McElya, PharmD, Walgreens Director of Specialty Health Solutions, has been at Walgreens for over 20 years and in HIV treatment and prevention for four years. As a pharmacist who practiced in communities in Indiana and North Carolina, he can speak to the critical role the pharmacist plays as highly accessible healthcare providers across America. In his current role, he oversees Walgreens HIV treatment and prevention efforts and is involved in the trainings that Walgreens pharmacy teams undergo to provide compassionate and confidential care, including an understanding in cultural competency and enabling stigma-free experiences.