In conjunction with National Black HIV / AIDS Awareness Day, the Ingham County Health Department is hosting a community testing event on Thursday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Forest Community Health Center located at 2316 S. Cedar Street in Lansing.
Free, confidential HIV testing is available for all Lansing and Ingham County residents.
"In the U.S., 1 out of every 8 people infected with HIV does not know it," said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. "This is a problem because early diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of transmission and helps those who are HIV positive live longer and healthier lives."
Everyone tested during the event will receive a $5 or $10 gift card. They will also attend a personal consultation where they can discuss their risk factors and ways to reduce the risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
No appointment is needed and testing typically takes just 30 to 45 minutes. For additional information, contact the HIV/STI prevention program at (517) 887-4424.
February 7, 2019 marks the 20th year for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative to encourage testing and awareness. NBHAAD was founded in 1999 as a national response to the growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in Black communities.
