The Allen County Department of Health will partner with Walgreens to offer free HIV testing Thursday as part of National HIV Testing Day.
Though Thursday’s event at the Creighton Street Walgreens is part of the nationalconversation on HIV, Kathy Thorson with the Allen County Health Department says this information is critical for those unsure of their status.
She says the process, known as Rapid HIV testing is quick and painless.
“People knowing their HIV status gives them powerful information to help them make decisions to either prevent getting HIV infected or to help prevent them getting HIV,” Thorson said.
No appointment is necessary for the test this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walgreens at 110 E. Creighton Ave.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than one million people in the US live with HIV, with about one in seven unaware of their status.
The National HIV Testing Day partnership is an ongoing effort between Walgreens, Greater Than AIDS, health departments, and HIV/AIDS service organizations to broaden the reach of HIV testing and information in non-traditional settings and help people understand the latest in prevention, treatment and care.
Other confidential HIV testing opportunities provided by the Allen County Health Department regularly include:
• Allen County Department of Health Medical Annex 4813 New Haven Ave. (260) 449-7504 by appointment Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Department off-site clinics:
o 519 Oxford St.
Wednesdays 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. o Walgreens
110 E. Creighton Ave. Wednesdays 11 a.m.–1 p.m.