In conjunction with World AIDS Day, the Ingham County Health Department is hosting a community testing event on Friday, November 30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Forest Community Health Center located at 2316 S. Cedar Street in Lansing.
Free, confidential testing is available for all Ingham County residents. A resource room will also be available to anyone wanting to learn more.
“It is critical to know your HIV status,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “An astounding 1 in 7 people with HIV do not know they are HIV positive. People who are HIV positive can live healthy, long lives, but only with diagnosis and treatment.”
Last year, 21 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Ingham County. The county has the second highest HIV prevalence among local health department jurisdictions in Michigan. Approximately 500 people in Ingham County are living with HIV.
Everyone tested will receive a free gift card while supplies last. They will also attend a personal consult where they can discuss their risk factors and ways to reduce the risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
No appointment is needed. For additional information, contact the HIV/STI prevention program at (517) 887-4424.
