Agencies, company offer free HIV testing

ALBANY – The Southwest Public Health District, Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS, a leading national public information response to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, are teaming up to offer free HIV testing and counseling about prevention strategies, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis as part of a National HIV Testing Day effort.

“Rapid HIV testing will be provided by public health at the Walgreens located at 2414 Sylvester Road on (Tuesday) through (Thursday) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” said Torrey Knight, an epidemiologist with the Southwest Health District who helped organize the event locally. “Free gift cards will be provided to the first 10 testers each day. Plus all testers will receive a gift bag with prizes and safer sex supplies.”

Test results will be provided on-site in minutes.

“We know more about preventing and treating HIV than ever before,” said Tina Hoff, senior vice president and director of health communication and media partnerships with the Kaiser Family Foundation, which directs Greater Than AIDS. “The first step is knowing your status. This collaboration normalizes HIV testing as part of everyday life, while educating communities about the latest advances.”

PrEP, a medication available by prescription, offers another effective means of protection for those without HIV. In addition, antiretrovirals, the medications used to treat HIV in addition to improving health, are now known to help stop the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends HIV testing as part of routine health care.

“With early diagnosis and treatment, someone with HIV can live a healthy normal lifespan,” said Glen Pietrandoni, senior director of virology at Walgreens.

“It’s very important to take control of your health by getting a test and learning your status,” Knight said. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Walgreens is located at the intersection of Sylvester Road and Johnson Road, and its phone number is (229) 430-9119.

More information about HIV testing and treatment is available at your county health department.