NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY- June 27

Free Rapid HIV Testing

Getting tested for HIV is easy and free. That is the message Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) and its community partners are emphasizing during this year's National HIV Testing Day, June 27. Free and rapid HIV testing continues to be available at statewide sites throughout the year.

"National HIV Testing Day is a good reminder, but there is absolutely no reason anyone has to wait for this day to get tested."said Jim Dickinson, DPH HIV Prevention Program Administrator. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is essential to ensure that those affected fully benefit from life-saving treatments and take steps to protect their partners. 20 percent of people infected with HIV are not aware of it, consequently infecting 50 percent of people who get the disease each year.

"If you are infected and do not know it, you are more likely to infect someone else," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. "The best way to fight this epidemic is by getting educated about how to stop spreading this virus, by getting tested, and by getting treatment if needed."

According to the 2007-2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey only 46 percent of Delaware adults age 18-64 report having been tested for HIV.

The CDC recommends that everyone age 13-64 receive routine HIV screenings as part of regular medical care. Men who have sex with men especially should be tested for HIV annually. Heterosexuals who engage in high-risk sexual practices and anyone who injects illegal drugs are also encouraged to get tested at least once a year. Testing is also recommended for women considering pregnancy and pregnant women in the early months of pregnancy to prevent the spread of HIV to the newborn.

"If you are or have ever been sexually active, you should get tested." said Mr. Dickinson. "If you have ever injected illegal drugs you should get tested. It's easy and free to do, and worth the time it takes to give you peace of mind. If it turns out that you do need help, the benefits of early treatment are indisputable."

To find a testing site close to you and basic HIV prevention information, visit www.hivtest.org and type in your ZIP code. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). You can also visit the HIV Prevention Program at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/hivaidsprogram.html for additional information. Below is a sampling of testing sites throughout the state:

• NEW CASTLE COUNTY
• JUNE 21-26
  *COMMUNITIES ACTING TOGETHER TO COMBAT HIV (CATCH):
  

  Monday, June 21 (6 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Brandywine Counseling. (24 Brookhill Drive, Newark, DE 19702). Free confidential HIV testing, free breakfast, lunch, educational workshop and give-aways. Open only to clients. Contact: Rochelle Booker (320-655-9880)

  Tuesday, June 22 (6 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Brandywine Counseling. (2713 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19805). Free confidential HIV testing, free breakfast, lunch, educational workshop and give-aways. Open only to clients. Contact: Rochelle Booker (302-655-9880)

  Tuesday, June 22 (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.) Each One Teach One, Inc. (Rosehill Community Center,19 Lambson Lane, New Castle DE 19720). Free confidential HIV testing. Free food and give-aways. Contact: Alyson Lang (302- 326-0584)

  Wednesday, June 23 (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.) AIDS Delaware. (Church of the Ascension, 3700 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703). Free confidential HIV testing. Free food, movie tickets and give-aways. Contact: Darcy Brasure (302-652-6776)

  Thursday, June 24 (4 p.m. - 8 p.m.) Latin American Community Center (LACC). (Sparrow Run [Neighborhood off Rte 40]. Newark, DE 19702). Free confidential HIV testing. Free food and give-aways. Contact: Marco Ramos (302-655-7338)

  Friday, June 25 (6 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Brandywine Counseling. (24 Brookhill Drive, Newark, DE 19702). Free confidential HIV testing, Free breakfast, lunch, educational workshop and give-aways. Open only to clients. Contact: Rochelle Booker (302-655-9880)

  Saturday, June 26 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) AIDS Delaware. (St. Anne's, 15 East Green Street, Middletown, DE 19709). Free confidential HIV testing. Free food, movie tickets and give-aways. Contact: Darcy Brasure (302-652-6776)

  * CATCH., is a partnership of Each One Teach One, Brandywine Counseling, AIDS Delaware, and the Latin American Community Center.

  Thursday, June 24 (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) Division of Public Health @ Northeast/Porter,(1624 Jessup St. Wilmington, DE 19802.) Free confidential HIV counseling, testing and education. Music, informational materials and refreshments available. Contact: Bob Watkins (302-577-3521)

  Friday, June 25 (9 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (BGOC) (604 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801,) "Age Won't Protect You!"- If you are 13 and over with a valid photo ID you are eligible to be tested. The event also targets those 50 and above to understand that their age is not a form of protection against HIV. Bring a family member or friend who is 50 or over to get tested. Free food for those tested. Special prizes will be given throughout the day. Contact: Suzanne Tait (302-472-3002).

• KENT COUNTY

• Friday, June 25 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Kent/Sussex Counseling Services. (John Wesley African Methodist Church, 211 W. Division Street, Dover, DE 19904) Free confidential HIV counseling and testing. Free food, drinks, and giveaways. Contact: Rev. F. Benson (302-389-8561) or Joe Lawson (302-526-9100).

• SUSSEX COUNTY

• Monday, June 21 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Georgetown Health Unit (544 S. Bedford Street Georgetown, DE). Free, confidential HIV counseling and rapid result testing. Educational program, materials and giveaways for participants. Contact Esther or Kim at (302) 856-5184.

  Tuesday, June 22 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Kent County Health Unit (805 River Road Dover, DE) Free, confidential HIV counseling and rapid result testing. Educational program, materials and giveaways for participants. Contact Theo at (302) 857-5150.

  Wednesday, June 23 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Milford Health Unit (11-13 Church Ave. Milford, DE) Free, confidential HIV counseling and rapid result testing. Educational program, materials and giveaways for participants. Contact the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic at (302) 424-7130.

  Wednesday, June 23 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Seaford Health Unit (350 Virginia Ave. Seaford, DE) Free, confidential HIV counseling and rapid result testing. Educational program, materials and giveaways for participants. Contact Liz at (302) 628-2031.

  Friday, June 25 - Sunday, June 27 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) CAMP Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971). Free confidential HIV testing. Contact: Salvatore Seeley (302-270-5503).

  Friday, June 25 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Kent/Sussex Counseling Services (Laurel). (Nutter Park on Collins Avenue, Seaford, DE) Free confidential HIV counseling and testing. Referral and educational information, free food and drinks for those tested. Contact: Haley Truitt (302-387-5495).

  Saturday, June 26 (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) La Red Health Center (La Red Health Center, 505 West Market Street, Georgetown 19947) Free confidential HIV counseling and testing. Free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, bone density by Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. Contact: Pablo Molina (302-855-2130 x 103) or Angel Rivera (302-236-0514).

  Monday, June 28 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Epworth United Methodist Church (19285 Holland Glade Road Rehoboth Beach, DE) Free, confidential HIV counseling and rapid result testing. Educational materials and giveaways for participants. Contact Esther or Kim at (302) 856-5184.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.