In conjunction with National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, the Ingham County Health Department is hosting a community testing event on Monday, October 15, 8 a.m. to 3:15 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 regardless of ethnicity, but Hispanic/Latino county residents are especially encouraged to attend and be tested.
“Hispanics and Latinos in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by HIV and are often diagnosed later,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “With early diagnosis and treatment, people who are HIV positive can live long, healthy lives.”
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.
