Group Offers Free HIV Testing

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic will offer free HIV testing on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 to encourage men and women who have been sexually active to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, in recognition of National HIV Testing Day, June 27.

Both the test and the office visit are free at the Rockland County PPHP health center in Spring Valley at 25 Perlman Drive just off Route 59 near the Spring Valley Marketplace shopping center. The event is an initiative of the "Get Yourself Tested" (GYT) campaign, which aims to normalize STD testing among young people.

"National HIV Testing Day is a great reminder to get yourself tested for HIV and other STDs," said Reina Schiffrin, President/CEO, PPHP.  "When it comes to your health and the health of your partner, the best ways to protect yourselves are through regular testing and consistent use of condoms." 

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic recognizes the need for access to HIV testing. On June 25 and 26, all PPHP health centers will offer free HIV testing. Visit www.pphp.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to find a health center, and for health center hours. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged.

By age 25, half of all sexually active young people will contract an STD.  Recognizing this reality, the GYT campaign – a collaboration between Planned Parenthood, MTV, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the Kaiser Family Foundation — encourages Americans under age 25 to talk with their health care providers and partners about getting tested.

According to the CDC, one in five of the more than one million Americans living with HIV doesn't know it.  In fact, many STDs, including HIV, show no symptoms for many years.  Testing and treatment can save lives and reduce the spread of HIV and other STDs.