HIV testing is recommended as part of routine health care, yet many Americans are not being tested as often as advised. Whether living with HIV or not, there are more options than ever to stay healthy. The first step is knowing your status and getting tested for HIV.
National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity to normalize HIV testing and encourage people to make it part of routine health care.
The Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Program will offer free HIV testing on Thursday, June 27 in observance of National HIV Testing Day. Testing will take place at several Walgreens in Chatham County and results will be available in one minute. A follow-up visit will be scheduled for anyone who tests positive and counseling will be made available to those individuals. In addition to free HIV testing, there will be staff available to discuss HIV prevention options such as PrEP, the daily pill to prevent HIV, and treatment as prevention. Gift cards and door prizes will also be given out at the testing events.
Our testing event is part of a nationwide activation in 245 cities with Walgreens, Greater Than AIDS, health departments, and local organizations to normalize HIV testing and encourage people to make it part of routine health care.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people don’t know they have it. National HIV Testing Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage people to get the facts, tested, get involved, and get linked to care and treatment services.