SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – In honor of World AIDs Day, the Coastal Health District (CHD) is offering three free HIV testing events in Savannah.
At two of the events, participants can get a $25 gift card.
World AIDs Day is observed on Dec. 1 each year to increase HIV awareness, end the stigma surrounding it and remember those lost.
HIV remains a significant public health issue, with over 39 million people living with the virus worldwide. About 15% of those in the U.S. who have the virus are unaware they have it.
While medical advancements have made HIV more manageable, there is still no cure.
CHD officials said this year's theme is Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress, which focuses on the advancements made through several decades of HIV research and programs.
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"We’re always looking for ways to serve our community the best way we can,” said Melissa Watts, spokesperson for the Coastal Health District. “HIV testing is available every day in our health departments, but these testing events and incentives give us an extra opportunity to educate people about the importance and availability of testing. Our goal is to test as many people as we can so we can provide treatment for those individuals who test positive and give them their best chance at a happy, healthy future.”
The upcoming testing events are free and confidential. Individuals must be at least 16 years of age to be tested.
Free HIV testing events will be held on three dates, at three locations, and results will be available in about a minute:
Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Midtown Chatham County Health Department located at 1601 Drayton St. in Savannah
- Those who get tested at this event get a $25 gift card while supplies last!
Thursday, Nov. 21, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah
- Those who get tested at this event get a $25 gift card while supplies last!
- Monday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the World AIDS Day Health Fair with Union Mission, Inc. at 702 W. Oglethorpe Ave. in Savannah
The Coastal Health District noted that every county health department provides free walk-in HIV testing. Additionally, CHD has clinics that provide HIV treatment in Savannah, Brunswick and Hinesville.
Visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv for additional information on CHD's HIV services.