February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) which highlights the importance of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and community involvement in black/African American communities.
The Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Program will hold free HIV testing events at several locations throughout the month of February in observance of NBHAAD. Although the events are being held to commemorate NBHAAD, these testing events – and all HIV testing events offered in the Coastal Health District – are open to the public.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), blacks/African Americans accounted for 43 percent of all HIV diagnoses in the United States in 2017. Currently, there are around 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people don’t know they have it. Getting tested and getting those who are HIV positive into treatment right away is vital in stopping the HIV epidemic.
As a reminder, HIV testing is always free at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties and available Monday through Friday during regular health department hours of operation.
HIV Testing Events in Febuary
Thursday, February 6
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus, Savannah
*Friday, February 7
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Walgreens, 2270 U.S. Hwy. 17, Richmond Hill
*The first 25 people to be tested at the event in Richmond Hill will receive gift cards.
Saturday, February 8
12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Savannah Civic Center (Black Heritage Festival)
Monday, February 10
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Georgia Southern University, Liberty Campus, Hinesville
Wednesday, February 12 and February 19
Time TBD
Savannah State University
Thursday, February 13
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick
