“Know your status.” That’s the word from the Kent County Health Department.
On Saturday December 1st, the Kent County Health Department will host a free walk-in clinic to test for HIV. It’s scheduled to coincide with the 30th anniversary of World Aids Day.
“This event is in recognition of World Aids Day and the theme is, know your status.”
April Hight is the Personal Health Services Supervisor with the Kent County Health Department. She says on Saturday, the health Department’s clinic on Fuller NE will be open for free, confidential, walk-in testing for HIV.
“The CDC recommends everyone, regardless of their risk should have one HIV test in their lifetime.”
More than one million people in the United States are living with HIV and one in seven people who are infected do not know that they have the disease according to the CDC. Hight says that is why it is important to “know your status”.
Hight says it’s a simple finger poke test that gives results in about 20 minutes. Personal Health Services, certified counselors along with an HIV counselor will be on hand to discuss protecting yourself from HIV and ways to reduce risk. Hight adds people need to understand that it’s better to get tested and start treatment if needed, especially since so many advances in care have been made.
The free, confidential, walk-in testing will take place from 10:00AM until 2:00PM Saturday, December first. The clinic is located at 700 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids.
