National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is observed every year on June 27. The Coastal Health District will hold several HIV testing events this Monday, June 27, to bring awareness to NHTD and the importance of knowing your status.
This year’s NHTD events will be held from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. at the following Walgreens locations in Chatham and Glynn counties:
• 2109 E. Victory Drive, Savannah
• 11509 Abercorn Street, Savannah
• 4210 Augusta Road, Garden City
• 4575 Altama Avenue, Brunswick
All testing is free (no appointment necessary) and confidential, and results will be available in about one minute. A follow- up visit will be scheduled for anyone who tests positive, and counseling will be made available to those individuals.
Individuals who are tested at any of the Coastal Health District NHTD event locations on June 27 will receive a $10 gift card.
This year’s theme is “HIV Testing Is Self-Care.” Self-care to promote physical and mental health has been a predominant theme during the pandemic. This National HIV Testing Day, we encourage people to get tested and know their HIV status to help them stay healthy.
Getting tested for HIV has never been easier. In addition to free testing at health departments and outreach events, we now offer free self-test kits that can be used at home.
National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage people to get the facts, get tested, get involved, and get linked to care and treatment services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. People at higher risk should get tested more often.
As a reminder, HIV testing is always free by appointment at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties and is available Monday through Friday during regular health department hours of operation.
For more information on Coastal Health District HIV services, visit www. coastalhealthdistrict.org/ hiv.