LANSING, Mich. – In conjunction with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Ingham County Health Department is hosting a community HIV testing event on Friday, February 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the health department located at 5303 S. Cedar Street in Lansing.
Free HIV testing is available for all Ingham County residents regardless of race/ethnicity.
“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.”
Approximately 500 people in Ingham County are living with HIV. African-Americans have the highest HIV infection rate in the county.
Everyone tested during the event will receive a $5 or $10 Meijer 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.
People wishing to be tested should enter the health department through door number three and follow the red ribbon to room 207. No appointment is needed. For additional information, contact the HIV/STI prevention program at (517) 887-4424.
February 7, 2016 marks the 16th year for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative targeted at Blacks in the United States. NBHAAD was founded in 1999 as a national response to the growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in African-American communities.
