Do you know your HIV status? Between December 1-5, 2014, Linn County Public Health (LCPH) is providing free HIV tests for anyone who is interested, in recognition of World AIDS Day. Before and after the first week of December, LCPH will continue to provide free HIV tests for those who qualify; the test costs $20 for those who do not qualify. LCPH also provides free testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STI) year-round. All HIV and STI testing is confidential.
World AIDS Day takes place every year on December 1, but events are happening statewide throughout the week. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations worldwide to unite in the effort to reduce the spread of HIV, support those living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died of HIV. The 2014 theme for World AIDS Day is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost one in seven people (14%) infected with HIV are unaware that they have HIV. Almost half of new infections are transmitted by people who do not know they are infected.
LCPH offers rapid HIV testing Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at 501 13th Street NW, Cedar Rapids. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call LCPH at 319.892.6093.
For more information about the benefits of HIV testing, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/HIV-Testing-US-508.pdf
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