Free, fast screening offered on National HIV Testing Day

For immediate release

Fort Wayne (June 23, 2022) – Free. Fast. Important.

All are emphasized as the Allen County Department of Health partners with Walgreens for free, confidential HIV testing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 27 – National HIV Testing Day.

Rapid tests requiring a finger-stick, a drop of blood and results in just one minute will be offered at Walgreens, 110 E. Creighton Ave. (corner of East Creighton and South Calhoun Street). No appointment is necessary.

“Sexually transmitted diseases can be present without symptoms, and everyone should know their HIV status,” said Kathy Thornson, director of HIV/STD Prevention for the Department of Health. “Testing is easy and, for anyone living with undiagnosed HIV, it’s an important first step to maintaining a healthy life and reducing spread of the disease.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HIV testing as part of routine health care screenings, but many never get tested.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. have HIV, but about 158,500 are unaware of their status. Almost 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who don’t know they have it, according to the CDC.

The National Testing Day partnership is an ongoing effort among Walgreens, Greater than AIDS, local health departments and HIV/AIDS service organizations to broaden the reach of HIV testing and information in nontraditional settings. The effort also aims to help people understand the latest in prevention, treatment and care.

Other confidential HIV testing opportunities include:

Allen County Department of Health Medical Annex

4813 New Haven Ave.

By appointment

(260) 449-7504

Visit https://gettested.cdc.gov/ to find other testing locations.

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