In observance of National HIV Testing Day, the Coastal Health District will hold a drive-through testing event from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th, in the parking lot of the Chatham County Health Department at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. 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.
Those getting tested will receive free giveaways, including gift cards. Staff will also be available to discuss HIV prevention options such as PrEP, the daily pill to prevent HIV.
Around 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people do not know they have it. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage people to get the facts, tested, get involved, and get linked to care and treatment services.
This year’s National HIV Testing Day theme is about the “Power of Knowing” – knowing your HIV status, risk, prevention, and treatment options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. People at higher risk should get tested more often.
As a reminder, HIV testing is free by appointment 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.
Anyone with questions about testing can call Diane DeVore at (912) 644-5828 or e-mail Diane.Devore@dph.ga.gov.
#GetTested #KnowYourStatus #ENDHIVstigma #ThisIsPublicHealth
