Bringing testing into a park, in the open, on an ordinary afternoon, is a deliberate strategy — it removes the clinic, the appointment and most of the stigma in one move. Roy Wilkins Park is the heart of St. Albans, named for the NAACP leader who ran the organization for two decades, and it's the kind of place people already are. If you have been putting off a test, this is about as easy as it gets: free, fast, confidential, no paperwork trail to navigate.
What to expect
Find the testing tent in the park's picnic area and speak to a staff member. Rapid testing takes a finger-stick sample and returns a result within minutes, with a private conversation about what it means and what comes next. Staff can also discuss prevention options and connect you to follow-up care if you want it.
Good to know
- Buses from Jamaica Center serve the St. Albans area; the park is a short ride from the E, J and Z terminus
- Testing is free and confidential, and no insurance is required
- No appointment needed — turn up and speak to the staff at the tent
- Results from a rapid test come back within minutes, on site
- Staff can connect you to prevention options and follow-up care
- The picnic area has shade, which matters for waiting on a hot afternoon
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Is the testing really free?
Yes. Public rapid HIV testing events are free and do not require insurance.
How long does it take to get a result?
A rapid test typically returns a result within minutes while you wait.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Testing is confidential and conducted privately by trained staff.
More happening today
More free events
