In observance of National HIV testing day, health departments in Jackson and Ingham counties are offering free testing Tuesday.
An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in seven people with HIV don't know they have it. According to the CDC, more than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the U.S could have been prevented through testing and prompt diagnosis.
Doctors have come a long way in treating the virus. People with HIV can now live long, healthy lives, with a greatly reduced risk of transmitting it to their sexual partners.
Approximately 510 people are living with HIV in Ingham County, with 23 new diagnoses last year. According to county health officer Linda Vail, Ingham has the second highest HIV prevalence among local health department jurisdictions in Michigan.
Ingham County residents can get tested for free from 8:30 a.m to 4 p.m today, at the Forest Community Health Center at 2316 S. Cedar Street, Lansing. Everyone tested will receive a free gift card, while supplies last.
The Jackson County Health Department is offering free testing from 8 a.m to 4 p.m at the clinic at 1715 Lansing Avenue, Jackson.
For more information on HIV, visit hivtest.cdc.gov
