Free HIV & STI Testing in Des Moines, Ames & Marshalltown
Free, confidential testing with fast results. No insurance needed.
- HIV, Hep C & common STIs
- Quick visits • Respectful care
- Linkage to treatment & PrEP
Testing Locations & Hours
Ames
PHC Medical Dental Clinic
3510 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014
When: 2nd Wednesday each month
Des Moines
PHC University Medical Clinic
1200 University Ave, #120, Des Moines, IA 50314
Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 am–4:00 pm; Fri 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Marshalltown
PHC Medical Dental Clinic
101 Iowa Ave W, #102, Marshalltown, IA 50158
When: 1st Monday each month
Schedule a Free Test
Appointments are scheduled through a secure third-party tool (Acuity). Please avoid entering detailed medical information in the notes.
FAQs
Is testing really free?
Yes. HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing at The Project is free and confidential.
What do you test for?
We test for HIV, Hepatitis C, and common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
How long does it take?
Most visits take around 30 minutes. We’ll explain your results and next steps.
Can I test at home?
Yes. You can order a free HIV self-test kit through Together TakeMeHome. Availability can vary depending on demand.
Helpful Blogs
Virtual Visits
Need to talk? We can help! Our licensed Behavioral Health Consultants can meet with you via virtual visits or by phone. We are now offering our patients the option to do virtual visits with their health care provider instead of coming into the clinic.
Rapid Start PrEP
Last month, the Prevention and Clinical teams at the Project launched “Rapid Start PrEP,” an easy way to start your journey to preventing HIV. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication treatment that when taken as directed can prevent HIV by about 99%. It is the single most effective intervention for preventing HIV for people who are HIV-negative.
What it’s like to be a woman living with HIV
Twenty-three percent of people living with HIV are women. They are a minority when it comes to populations impacted by HIV, and experience of living with HIV as a woman can be isolating. “I never worried about HIV because I was heterosexual, female, had a white-collar...
Common questions about getting tested for HIV/STIs
Getting tested for HIV and other STIs can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. At The Project we do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Below we have compiled the answers to many of the questions people come to us with before or after their...
Condom Myths and Facts
When looking up information about sex and condoms it can be hard to know what is true, and what is just an urban legend. In honor of National Condom Week, we put on our Mythbusters hats and debunked some condom myths. Condom Myth #1: Size doesn't matter FACT: Using...
Testing 101
Have you been thinking about getting tested for HIV and/or other STI’s but don’t know what to expect? Maybe it’s been awhile and you’re getting cold feet. That’s ok. Here at the Project we are here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Here are just a few insights into how our testing appointments work.




