National HIV Testing Day Barbecue
Where: Change Point (445 Ralston St. Reno, NV 89503)
When: June 26 all day, BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
What: A Barbecue with live music and cold popsicles.
Why: Encourage people to know their status and get tested for HIV.
Northern Nevada HOPES Hosts Testing Event On June 26 For National HIV Testing Day
(Reno, Nev.) June 22, 2015 – Northern Nevada HOPES invites the public to get tested on June 26 for National HIV Testing Day.
Though HOPES offers free HIV testing throughout the year, the community clinic is holding a testing event on June 26 to mark National HIV Testing Day (June 27). To encourage people to know their status, HOPES will host live music from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hand out popsicles and give away water bottles and safe sex supplies to those who get tested.
National HIV Testing Day is a countrywide effort to prompt people to think about their HIV status and get tested. More than 1.2 million people in the United Sates live with HIV and almost 1 in 7 (14 percent) are unaware they carry the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Testing is one of our most powerful tools for stopping the spread of HIV.” Sharon Chamberlain, HOPES CEO, said. “Though we have created effective drugs and therapies in response to HIV, knowledge is still the best method for fighting this global epidemic.”
In 2010, individuals aged 25-34 made up the highest number of new HIV infections, followed by those ages 13-24, according to the CDC. Gay and bisexual men are the most at risk for contracting HIV and make up the biggest segment of new HIV infections.
HOPES offers free, rapid HIV testing throughout the year with no appointment needed. Testing is available at HOPES Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Change Point facility (445 Ralston St. Reno, NV 89503). Testing is always confidential and free to the public. The test only requires a small drop of blood acquired through a quick fingertip pinprick. Results are ready in about 20 minutes after the test is taken. HOPES can also connect those who test positive for HIV with resources to manage their condition, regardless of insurance coverage.
HOPES offers many resources to reduce the spread of HIV in Northern Nevada. The clinic gives away free condoms and safe sex supplies to help people stay healthy. HOPES also operates a Syringe Services Program (SSP) that allows people to exchange used syringes for clean ones. SSPs are a proven and cost-effective public health strategy to prevent the spread of HIV while saving money.
HOPES also offers many peer groups and resources for people who have HIV. If you are interested in joining a peer group, contact John Saderlund, Community Health Worker 775-997-7536.
