District 4 and Walgreens in Carrollton to offer free HIV rapid testing on June 27
Event held in conjunction with National HIV Testing Day
District 4’s HIV Prevention & Linkage to Care Program is partnering with Walgreens in Carrollton to provide free confidential HIV rapid testing during National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Walgreens Pharmacy at 794 S. Park Street. Testing consists of a small, quick finger prick, with results in about 3-5 minutes or less. Incentives will be available.
The HIV Prevention team will be glad to answer any questions about HIV and STDs. It also can provide the latest information on prevention and access to treatment options in Georgia, including referrals for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), FDA-approved medications that are highly effective in preventing HIV, and other needed care.
Georgia has some of the highest HIV rates in the country, and many people living with HIV may not be aware of their status. HIV testing is the gateway to prevention, treatment, and long-term well-being.
“We’re committed to helping reduce the stigma around HIV testing and to ensure our communities have easy access to the services they need,” said Tito Terry, District 4’s HIV Prevention Program Manager. “National HIV Testing Day is the perfect time to start a conversation, get tested, and take control of your health.”
The CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and more often if you are at a higher risk of getting HIV.
Because the symptoms of AIDS can take years to develop. HIV is often transmitted by people who don’t know they have it. In Georgia, one in every five individuals with HIV doesn’t know he or she is positive, Terry said. Testing as soon as you can is important to prevent HIV transmission and to keep you and your partner healthy.
If you test positive, medicines are available to treat HIV that can limit damage to the immune system, improve the health of people living with HIV, reduce their ability to transmit HIV, and allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
If your test is negative, you can take actions to prevent HIV, such as abstinence (not having sex), never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way every time you have sex. You may also be able to take advantage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
OTHER FREE HIV RAPID TESTING OPPORTUNITIES
The Carroll County Health Department offers free, confidential, walk-in rapid HIV testing. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).
If you are 18 or older, you can order a free HIV self-test kit online at https://bit.ly/hiv-selftest. The self-test will be shipped to you by mail so you can take it at home or in another convenient location. Self-test results are available in about 20 minutes.
Free HIV self-test kits also are available by mail to those 17 years of age and older at together.takemehome.org/.
For free, anonymous information and support, contact the Georgia AIDS & STI InfoLine at (800) 551-2728.