FREE HIV Testing Monday, June 27

Deschutes County Oregon -- 6/21/2011 --

To recognize and promote National HIV Testing Day, Deschutes County Health Services will offer Free Rapid HIV antibody testing on Monday, June 27. Rapid HIV Antibody testing allows for people to get their test results within the same visit.

Routine testing is recommended for all Americans ages 13–64 and those whose behavior puts them at increased risk should be tested at least once a year. Increased risk behaviors include men who have sex with men, persons who inject illegal drugs, partners of people living with HIV, and people who have multiple sex partners.

Free HIV Antibody testing will be offered from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by appointment only at the Downtown Health Center, located at 1128 NW Harriman in Bend. Due to a limited number of tests and test providers, appointments are required. Please call (541) 322-7425 to make an appointment for free HIV testing.

Persons coming for free testing at the Health Department can choose between confidential or anonymous testing options. Confidentiality ensures that people coming to the Health Department for services have their identity and privacy protected. Confidential counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is also available through private medical providers. Anonymous HIV testing means that no name or other identifiers are required.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 5 people with HIV in the United States do not know that they are infected. According to the Oregon Health Authority, 5,001 Oregonians are living with HIV and an additional 1,329 have the virus, but are unaware they are infected.

To learn more about HIV, including information about risks, please visit www.cdc.gov/hiv or www.deschutes.org and click on the “Health Services” link. You may also call a Deschutes County Health Educator at (541) 322-7425 with your questions. Your call and all testing results are managed confidentially. For local and national testing sites, visit www.hivtest.org.