June 27 is National HIV Testing Day
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there are one million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and approximately 250,000 of them are unaware of their status. National HIV Testing Day is June 27 and an opportunity for people to learn their HIV status and gain knowledge about the disease.
“Knowledge is essential when it comes to stopping the spread of HIV,” said Roderick Bremby, Secretary of Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). “We encourage anyone who has had a risk for exposure, to please get tested to help stop the spread of HIV. Education, testing, and treatment can help prevent the HIV epidemic.”
In 2009 there were 3,624 individuals living in Kansas with HIV/AIDS. June 27 provides an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives. Many services, including counseling, are available for someone who tests HIV positive.
In an effort to increase the accessibility and visibility of HIV testing in Kansas, KDHE’s HIV/AIDS Program launched a Social Marketing Campaign to encourage citizens in the State of Kansas to get tested for HIV. The Campaign was launched May 15 and includes billboard displays, bus ads, radio spots and online advertising with Facebook.
“Testing is really the key to prevention,” said Sandra Springer, director of the HIV/AIDS Program at KDHE. “HIV testing can be conducted through a rapid test with results in about 15 minutes or an oral swab test that doesn’t require any blood.”
To find a testing site near you please visit www.hivtest.org. Initiatives and events planned in recognition of National HIV Testing Day in Kansas include:
Wichita
- Hunter Health Clinic will provide HIV testing Monday, June 28 at 2318 E. Central, Wichita from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All people who are tested for HIV on June 28th will receive a free t-shirt. For more information contact Vonnie Kelly, Hunter Health Clinic at 316- 262-3611 ext#1173.
- Positive Directions will make HIV testing available on Monday, June 28. Positive Directions is located at 414 S. Commerce Wichita. For more details, contact Shawn Walters, Prevention and Testing coordinator at 316-263-2214.
- The Sedgwick County Health Department will conduct HIV Rapid testing on Monday, June 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2716 W. Central, Wichita location. For more information please contact Jason Ybarra, Sr. Disease Intervention Specialist, Sedgwick County Health Department, 316-660-7369.
Salina
- The Salina-Saline County Health Department will offer Free HIV Testing in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Monday, June 2. The Salina-Saline County Health Department is located at 125 West Elm in Salina and will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions, please call 785-826-6602.
Hutchinson
- Reno County Health Department will offer Free HIV Rapid testing on Monday, June 28 in observance of the national testing day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Reno County Health Department is located at 209 W. 2nd St. in Hutchinson. For more information, please call 620-694-2900.
Topeka
- Topeka AIDS Project will provide FREE Rapid HIV testing Monday, June 28 at Topeka AIDS Project located at 708 SW 6th in Topeka from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks will also be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on this event please contact Amy Wethington, Prevention Educator, Topeka AIDS Project 785-232-3100
Lawrence
- Douglas County AIDS Project will conduct Free HIV Testing on Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library. An information table will also be on display in the lobby of the library.
Kansas City
- Good Samaritan Project will offer Free Rapid HIV testing as well as distribute HIV/AIDS information Friday, June 25 from 9 a.m.- noon at the Wilhelmina Gill Center located at 645 Nebraska Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, please contact Elnora Powell, Community Prevention Specialist, Good Samaritan Project 816-561-8784 epowell@gsp-kc.orgor visit www.gsp-kc.org
- Johnson County Health Department will provide HIV testing on Monday, June 28 from 10 a.m.- 4p.m. at the 11875 S Sunset Dr Ste 300, Olathe, location. For more information, please call 913-894-2525
Western Kansas
- The United Methodist Mexican American Ministries will host a “Show up for my TEST" campaign and testing clinic at the following locations Friday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dodge City, 1700 Ave. F. For questions, call 620-225-6821
Garden City, 225 N. Taylor For questions, call 620-272-1766
Liberal, 311 N. Grant For questions, call 620-624-0463
- The United Methodist Mexican American Ministries will also offer testing at the LIFA Soccer fields- Soccer Complex 8th Street from12:00p.m. to 4:00pm on National Testing Day Sunday, June 27.