Free Rapid HIV Tests Being Offered at Select Walgreens in Central Ohio -- 6.24.2015
Press
Release -- June 24,
2015
Contact: Jose
Rodriguez, Columbus Public Health, 604-5025,
[email protected]
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Free
Rapid HIV Tests Being Offered at Select Walgreens in Central Ohio
Columbus
Public Health Joins Walgreens, ARC and Greater Than AIDS for Tests and Health
Event
WHAT
Free HIV tests at three select Columbus Walgreens stores and a health
resource event providing health information from local agencies is being
offered to all residents in support of National HIV Testing Day on June 27.
Rapid HIV tests will be given by trained counselors and results will be
provided in less than 20 minutes.
Columbus Public
Health is teaming up with Walgreens, Greater than AIDS, AIDS Resource Center
Ohio, and other local AIDS service organizations to provide free HIV tests and
health information.
WHEN
Free HIV Testing:
3-7
p.m.., June 25
3-7
p.m., June 26
10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 27
Health Resource Event:
10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 27 – 3445 S. High Street Location Only
WHERE
Walgreens Stores in Columbus
3583 E. Broad St.
3445 S. High St.
1162 Harrisburg Pike
DETAILS
With
more than 180 participating health departments, AIDS service organizations and
community-based agencies, the Walgreens/Greater than AIDS partnership is the
largest coordinated free HIV testing event in the nation. Since 2001,
more than 20,000 HIV tests – including 10,000 last year alone – have been
administered through the Walgreens/Greater Than AIDS-sponsored testing events
across the country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in seven
people with HIV in the U.S.do not know they are infected. Additionally,
there are nearly 4,200 residents living with HIV in Franklin County.
Since 2003 in Franklin County, HIV diagnoses have increased by 7 percent, while
there has been an 8 percent decrease in new HIV infections over the last five
years.
Getting tested and knowing your status is key to early treatment and the
prevention of new HIV infections. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) -- the first
major medical breakthrough in HIV prevention in 30 years –also is now
available. The once-a-day
pill reduces the risk of becoming infected with HIV by 92-99 percent when taken
as directed. PrEP is available by prescription from a PrEP
provider or clinic.
Free or low-cost HIV testing is available year round from Columbus Public
Health. For testing hours or more information,
visit publichealth.columbus.gov. For a list of all local agencies that provide
HIV testing and services, visit AIDS.gov.
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