'Test Your Way, Do It Today': National HIV Testing Day Offers Free Screening

Medical centers across the country are offering free HIV testing today, June 27, 2017, in support of National HIV Testing Day, according to the CDC.

Among these sites is the Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center in Jersey City, which is offering a community screening event hosted by Jersey City Medical Center at Greenville’s Counseling and Testing Site (CTS) and the Center for Comprehensive Care. At last year’s event, more than 80 individuals were tested for HIV, according to NJ.com.

National HIV Testing Day was first observed on June 27, 1995. This year’s federal theme is “Test Your Way. Do It Today.” The CDC estimates that 1.1 million individuals in the United States are living with HIV; 1 of 7 are unaware of their status.

The event will be held from 2 pm to 6 pm and will include information about HIV, testing, and other virus related services.

The Center for Comprehensive Care was created in 1987 through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It serves 1000 clients, their families, and significant others annually.

According to NJ.com, CTS conducted more than 4000 free HIV and nearly 1000 free STD screenings last year. The program offers services and care in both English and Spanish.

To find additional local testing sites near you:

• use the CDC’s Doing It testing locator
• text your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948)
• call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)