A County-by-County Guide to Free and Low-Cost Services

Living with HIV in 2025 looks nothing like it did decades ago. Modern antiretroviral therapy allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives—and those who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners. But accessing care remains the critical first step, and for Pocono residents, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.

Across Monroe, Carbon, Pike, Wayne, and surrounding counties, a network of organizations provides free HIV testing, prevention medications, case management, and support services. Here’s what’s available in your area.

Monroe County

NovusACS – Stroudsburg
28 North 7th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Phone: (570) 421-5867

Monroe County residents have access to one of the region’s most comprehensive sexual health clinics. NovusACS offers free and confidential HIV testing alongside screening for hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Results from rapid HIV tests are available in approximately 20 minutes.

Beyond testing, the clinic provides PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)—the once-daily pill that prevents HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative but at risk. Those who may have been exposed can access PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure. For uninsured patients, NovusACS operates a community assistance program that handles paperwork and helps remove financial barriers to medication.

The Stroudsburg office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome for testing, though appointments are recommended for ongoing care.

Additional Monroe County Testing Options:

• Quest Diagnostics, 408 Lincoln Avenue, East Stroudsburg – (570) 424-5378
• East Stroudsburg University Student Health Center (for enrolled students)
• Planned Parenthood Washington Health Center, 230 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg

Carbon County

NovusACS – Lehighton
243 South 3rd Street, Lehighton, PA 18235
Phone: (610) 379-4006

Carbon County’s NovusACS location mirrors the services available in Stroudsburg. Free HIV and STI testing is available to anyone regardless of insurance status, with the same suite of rapid screening options. The Lehighton clinic also provides PrEP services and Tele-PrEP consultations for those who prefer remote care.

The clinic operates a mobile care unit that travels throughout the region, bringing testing directly to communities that face transportation barriers. This outreach has proven particularly valuable for reaching populations in rural portions of Carbon County.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Carbon County Action Committee for Human Services
The county’s longstanding social services organization can provide referrals and connect residents with additional resources.

Pike County

Caring Communities – Hawley Office
Phone: (570) 829-2700

Pike County residents can access HIV and STI testing through Caring Communities’ Hawley satellite location. Testing is available by appointment on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The organization provides medical case management for people living with HIV, helping clients navigate healthcare systems, access financial assistance, and obtain housing support when needed. Case managers work directly with clients to address barriers that might otherwise prevent them from staying engaged with medical care.

To schedule an appointment, call the main line or use the online scheduler at caringpa.org.

Pike County Human Services
109 Bennett Avenue, Milford, PA 18337
Can provide referrals to health resources and assist with Medicaid enrollment for those who need coverage for HIV care.

Wayne County

Northeast Pennsylvania Regional HIV Program
Administered by United Way of Wyoming Valley
100 North Pennsylvania Avenue, 2nd Floor, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: (570) 823-5808

Wayne County falls under the Northeast Pennsylvania HIV Program’s six-county service area. Since 1991, this program has provided Ryan White-funded services to help people living with HIV access comprehensive care.

Available services include:

• Housing assistance
• Medical transportation
• Emergency financial assistance
• Linkage to medical care and case management

Caring Communities – Hawley
Wayne County residents can also access testing and case management services through the Hawley location (see Pike County listing above).

Lackawanna County

Caring Communities – Wilkes-Barre
67 Public Square, Suite 508, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: (570) 829-2700

The main Caring Communities office serves a 13-county region that includes much of northeastern Pennsylvania. Walk-in testing is available, and the organization provides comprehensive case management for people living with HIV.

Caring Communities – Hazleton
20 North Laurel Street, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone: (570) 454-2700

For Lackawanna County residents closer to the southern portion of the county, the Hazleton office offers the same testing and support services.

Statewide Resources for All Pocono Residents

Free Home HIV Test Kits
Pennsylvania residents can order a free, FDA-approved OraQuick HIV self-test kit online at getmyhivtest.com. After answering a few questions, the test arrives in an unmarked package within five to ten business days. The oral swab test provides results in 20 minutes from the privacy of home.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP)
Pennsylvania’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program covers HIV medications, laboratory services, and Medicare Part D premiums for eligible residents. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident
• Have a gross annual income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level
• Not be eligible for Medicaid pharmacy coverage

SPBP Customer Service: 1-800-922-9384
Email: SPBP@pa.gov
Online application: Available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health website

Pennsylvania AIDS Fact Line
1-800-662-6080
Provides information about testing locations, services, and resources statewide.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
Federal funding administered through regional grantees ensures that people living with HIV can access medical care, dental services, mental health support, and case management regardless of ability to pay. Northeast Pennsylvania’s services are coordinated through the United Way of Wyoming Valley.

Prevention: PrEP Access

PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Several Pocono-area providers offer PrEP services:

• NovusACS (Stroudsburg and Lehighton) – Free PrEP consultations and assistance with insurance navigation or patient assistance programs
• Caring Communities – PrEP services began in 2017 and remain available through their offices
• Tele-PrEP – NovusACS offers remote consultations for those unable to visit a clinic in person

Most insurance plans cover PrEP without cost-sharing. For uninsured individuals, manufacturer assistance programs and community health centers can help cover costs.

Know Your Rights

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on HIV status. Routine HIV screening is covered without cost-sharing by most private insurance plans.

Medical information about HIV status is protected by federal privacy laws. Testing and treatment records are confidential.

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Take the First Step

Whether you’re seeking your first HIV test, need help accessing treatment, or want information about prevention options, resources exist throughout the Pocono region. Free testing is available at multiple locations, and assistance programs can help cover medication costs for those who qualify.

The CDC recommends everyone between ages 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. People at higher risk should test more frequently—at least annually.

Knowing your status is the foundation of HIV prevention and care. Every resource listed here is staffed by professionals committed to providing judgment-free, confidential services.

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Quick Reference Numbers:

• ServicePhoneNovusACS Stroudsburg
  (570) 421-5867
• 
  NovusACS Lehighton
  (610) 379-4006
• 
  Caring Communities
  (570) 829-2700
• 
  Northeast PA HIV Program
  (570) 823-580
• 
  8PA AIDS Fact Line
  1-800-662-6080
• 
  SPBP Customer Service
  1-800-922-9384
• 
  Free Home Test Kits
  getmyhivtest.com

If you or someone you know is living with HIV, help is available. You don’t have to navigate this alone.