FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jora White
(334) 206-5364
Each year on June 27, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) joins its partners in observing National HIV Testing Day. On this day, ADPH especially wants to raise awareness and plan events about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV.
The only way to learn whether you have HIV is to be tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.
ADPH encourages HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day and every day to ensure people get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment services. This year’s theme, Doing It My Way, highlights how and why people make testing part of their lives - on their terms and in their way.
Doing It My Way encourages individuals to share their personal testaments of why testing is important, what motivates them to get tested and stay healthy, and how they get tested - be it at home, at the clinic, or with the company of a friend or loved one.
There are so many ways to get tested for HIV - at home, at the doctor’s office, with a friend. It’s fast, free, and confidential.
“Knowing your HIV status is powerful. This knowledge can help you take steps to keep yourself and your partner healthy,” Sharon Jordan, HIV/AIDS Division director said. “Find which #HIV test is best for your lifestyle and situation. When you’re #DoingItMyWay, you have important information that can keep you - and others - safe.” Over five years, ADPH has coordinated June 27 National HIV Testing Day events offering free testing at local Walgreens stores. This year, participating Alabama Walgreens locations can be located on the map closest to your zip code. Go to www.greaterthan.org/free-hiv-testing-walgreens-2019.
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health.
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.