National HIV Testing Day is June 27th, Free Tests at Mall of West End

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness will recognize National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on Friday, June 27th by offering free HIV/STI testing and counseling at three locations.  The NHTD is an annual campaign to encourage all individuals to “Take the Test Take Control” in order to know their HIV status.  Knowing your status helps to keep you, your family and your community safe from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Free and confidential HIV/STI testing will be available at the following locations:

June 27th

10:00am – 8:00pm

The Mall West End

850 Oak Street - Atlanta, GA 30310

11:30am – 6:30pm

Underground Atlanta

50 Upper Alabama – Atlanta, GA 30303

3:00pm – 9:00pm

Walgreens

2711 Metropolitan Parkway - Atlanta, 30315

“Our participation in this national campaign continues to solidify our commitment to provide medical assistance and health education to deter the spread of HIV,” says Patrice A. Harris, MD, Director of Fulton County Health Services.  “We hope that many will take advantage of these days to get tested and to learn more about the prevention of HIV.” 

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services, Department of Public Health, DeKalb County Board of Health, AID Atlanta and NAESM, will offer free confidential, rapid HIV testing that provides same day results. In 2012, 638 people took the free test and took control of their health in observance of National HIV Testing Day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1 million Americans are living with HIV.   Unfortunately, one quarter of those people are unaware of their infection.  HIV testing enables people with HIV to take steps to protect their own health and that of their partners.  HIV counseling helps people who test negative get the education they need to stay uninfected and those who are positive can be linked to care.

For more information on National HIV Testing Day call (404) 613-1468.  For more information on HIV, log-on to fultoncountygahealth.org.