Aunt Rita’s Foundation: AIDS testing changes due to COVID-19

When Gov. Doug Ducey issued a stay-at-home order for a month and a half last April into May, Aunt Rita’s Foundation saw requests for free home HIV test kits almost triple.

“That part of our business exploded,” said Glen Spencer, executive director of the Phoenix nonprofit, which provides grant funding for HIV prevention programs as well as its own outreach and testing services.

Despite the pandemic, Aunt Rita’s was able to provide about $140,000 in grants last year – similar to past efforts, Spencer said. But he worries there won’t be as much money available in 2021.

Pandemic prompts changes to HIV testing and treatment across Arizona, Cronkite News, the news division of Arizona PBS, Feb. 10, 2021