PHarmacies Are Offering Free HIV Testing For National Testing Day
From June 27 to June 29, New York City’s Gay Men’s Health Crisis has partnered up with Walgreens, Duane Reade, Greater Than AIDS, William F. Ryan Community Health Center, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), APICHA Community Health Center and the DOHMH to increase opportunities for testing which will allow more New Yorkers to take charge of their health, and access the treatment and care they need.
Of the more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. today, an estimated one in five, or nearly a quarter of a million people, do not know it. New York, with approximately 110,000 residents known to be living with HIV or AIDS (more than any other state), is the epicenter of the epidemic, according to the New York City Health Department. In fact, HIV is the third leading cause of death for New York City residents aged 35 to 54.
Of the more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. today, an estimated one in five, or nearly a quarter of a million people, do not know it. New York, with approximately 110,000 residents known to be living with HIV or AIDS (more than any other state), is the epicenter of the epidemic, according to the New York City Health Department. In fact, HIV is the third leading cause of death for New York City residents aged 35 to 54.
One-third of those who are HIV-positive are diagnosed so late in the course of their infection they develop AIDS within one year. Early diagnosis and treatment help save lives and are known to reduce the spread of HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) encourage everyone to know their HIV status.
Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain andGreater Than AIDS are teaming with health departments and local AIDS organizations across the country to provide free HIV testing at Walgreens Pharmacies and Duane Reade. Testing will take place June 27-28, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (please confirm with your local participating drug store here.
In New York City’s Union Square on June 27, the Community Healthcare Network (CHN) will provide all-day free rapid HIV tests and Hepatitis C screenings, as well as meningitis vaccines. The event also includes free massages, snacks, life coaching and stretching workshops while you wait for your rapid test results. The CHN’s mobile van will be in the park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each of these locations will be using the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, which detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in 20 minutes using a simple oral swab or fingerstick. This is the same test that was approved for over-the-counter use in 2012 and has been on drug store shelves since October. Rapid HIV testing ensures that 100 percent of people tested can receive their initial HIV test results in the same visit and get connected to the care they need to live longer, healthier lives.
In Atlanta, Swizz Beatz & Juanes are encouraging people to #Test4Life as part of a campaign spearheaded by Lifebeat in partnership with the CDC and MTV’s GYT Now. Lifebeat.org provides information of where anyone, anywhere, can get tested: http://lifebeat.org/hiv-aids-prevention-methods/get-tested-for-hiv-aids/
Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain andGreater Than AIDS are teaming with health departments and local AIDS organizations across the country to provide free HIV testing at Walgreens Pharmacies and Duane Reade. Testing will take place June 27-28, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (please confirm with your local participating drug store here.
In New York City’s Union Square on June 27, the Community Healthcare Network (CHN) will provide all-day free rapid HIV tests and Hepatitis C screenings, as well as meningitis vaccines. The event also includes free massages, snacks, life coaching and stretching workshops while you wait for your rapid test results. The CHN’s mobile van will be in the park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each of these locations will be using the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, which detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in 20 minutes using a simple oral swab or fingerstick. This is the same test that was approved for over-the-counter use in 2012 and has been on drug store shelves since October. Rapid HIV testing ensures that 100 percent of people tested can receive their initial HIV test results in the same visit and get connected to the care they need to live longer, healthier lives.
In Atlanta, Swizz Beatz & Juanes are encouraging people to #Test4Life as part of a campaign spearheaded by Lifebeat in partnership with the CDC and MTV’s GYT Now. Lifebeat.org provides information of where anyone, anywhere, can get tested: http://lifebeat.org/hiv-aids-prevention-methods/get-tested-for-hiv-aids/
source: Edge Boston
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