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FREE, fast screening offered on National HIV Testing Day

For immediate release

Fort Wayne (June 21, 2023) – The Allen County Department of Health will partner with Walgreens to provide free, confidential HIV testing from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, 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.

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

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

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

In 2022, the Allen County Department of Health reported 26 cases of HIV.

The National HIV 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 (by appointment)

4813 New Haven Ave.

(260) 449-7504

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

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