On Friday, June 26, to recognize and promote National HIV Testing Day, Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS) will offer free Rapid HIV antibody testing. Rapid HIV Antibody testing allows for results in only 20-minutes.

Testing is encouraged for people who are at a higher risk for contracting HIV including men who have sex with men; persons who inject drugs or who have sex with a person known to have HIV, and for persons who have a history of sexually transmitted infections or engaging in unprotected sex.

Free HIV antibody testing will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Deschutes County Downtown Health Center, located at 1128 NW Harriman (behind the Deschutes County Courthouse) in Bend. Due to a limited number of test providers, testing will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis until testing slots are filled (See table below for details.)

On the same day, at the main DCHS offices at 2577 NE Courtney Drive, appointments are required by calling 322-7400 to receive free HIV testing from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (See table below for details.)

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV, yet nearly one in five are unaware they are infected. In Oregon, it is estimated there are over 1,600 people living with HIV that are not yet diagnosed. National Testing Day provides an opportunity for those people who may be at risk to learn their HIV status and if infected, to take advantage of available treatment to prevent HIV-related illness.

Confidential counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is available through your private medical provider or Deschutes County Health Services.  Anonymous HIV testing (no name required) is also an option.

To learn more about HIV, including at-risk information, 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 322-7425 with your questions. Your call and all testing results are managed confidentially. For local and national testing sites, visit www.hivtest.org.