DHSS Press Release |
Date: June 20, 2008 DHSS-59-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY-June 27
Free Rapid HIV Testing
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) and its community partners will provide free, rapid HIV testing statewide on National HIV Testing Day, Friday, June 27. HIV rapid tests provide results in a single 20-30 minute appointment. In addition to HIV testing, participating agencies will distribute the Delaware HIV Planning Council's 2008 prevention survey. Feedback from the brief survey will be used to determine where HIV/AIDS resources are most needed in the state. The surveys will be conducted through the end of September.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 25 percent or more of people infected with HIV don't know it. Like high blood pressure and diabetes, HIV can damage the body long before symptoms become obvious or life threatening. Just as routine screening for high blood pressure and diabetes is recommended for early detection, the CDC recommends that everyone age 13-64 receive routine HIV screenings as part of regular medical care.
"Unfortunately, many people still find it too frightening to believe that they could be infected - even when they know things have happened in their lives that could have put them at risk," said Jim Dickinson, DPH HIV Prevention program administrator. "But the benefits of early treatment are incredible and if you wait until you are sick to find out if you have HIV, those early benefits are gone."
"If you are infected and do not know it, you are more likely to infect someone else," said Dr. Jaime Rivera, DPH director. "The best way every Delawarean can help fight this epidemic is by getting tested, getting treatment if needed, and getting educated about how to stop spreading this virus."
To find a testing site close to you, visit www.hivtest.org and type in your ZIP code. If you do not have internet access just call 1800-CDC-INFO (1800-232-4636). For more information about the prevention survey, contact Rita Devlin Salvo at 302-654-5471 or rdsalvo@delawarehiv.org."
The following sites offer free HIV testing:
| Location | Date/Time | Description | Contact /Number |
| Beautiful Gate Outreach Center Bethel A.M.E. Church Annex, 604 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 | Friday, June 27 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. | "It's a Family Affair." Testing for 13 - 64 year olds. Free confidential rapid HIV testing. Entertainment, door prizes and food provided. Giveaways after receiving results. A valid photo ID required for testing. | Suzanne Saunders Tait. 302-472-3002 at www.Bgate.org |
| Each One Teach One, Inc. Helen Chambers Park, Madison St. between 6th and 7th St. Wilmington, DE | June 27 3-7 p.m. | Fifth annual "Health Hook-Up Community Festival". Screenings for a range of important health issues. Free confidential rapid HIV testing. Will feature medical and social service exhibits. Entertainment, refreshments and door-prizes offered. A valid photo ID required. | Alyson Lang (302) 345-8744 (Cell) langny88@cs.com |
| Location | Date/Time | Description | Contact /Number |
| Kent County Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinic Public Health A - 2nd Floor James Williams State Service Center 805 River Road Dover, DE 19901 | June 27 8 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. | Free confidential rapid HIV testing for clients 12 years and older. Refreshments and entertainment. Giveaways after receiving results. Must bring a picture I.D. | Theo Hudson or Charlotte Robertson 302-857-5150 |
| Kent/Sussex Counseling Services & John Wesley Outreach Community Center John Wesley Outreach Community Center 211 West Division Street, Dover DE 19904 | June 27 12 noon -7 p.m. | Free confidential rapid HIV testing. Free food, fun, music, giveaways after receiving results. A valid photo ID required. | Star Fuentes 735-7790 Ext 112 or 943-3373 |
| Location | Date/Time | Description | Contact /Number |
| CAMP Rehoboth 37 Baltimore Ave Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 | June 27 10 a.m. -7 p.m. | Free confidential rapid HIV testing. Free vouchers from Lori's Cafe and/or Double Dippers for those tested. Informational display. A valid photo ID required. | Up till day of event, June 26 - Salvatore Seeley 302-270-5503 On the day of the event- Anthony Perkins. 302-227-5620 |
| Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health Sussex County Health Unit 544 South Bedford Street (next to DMV) Georgetown, DE 19947 | June 27 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Free confidential rapid HIV testing. No appointment needed. Light refreshments. Giveaways after receiving results. A valid photo ID required. | Nieca P. Lietzan 302- 856-5184 |
| La Red Health Center 505 West Market Street Georgetown, DE 19947 | June 27 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free confidential rapid HIV testing. Informational display. Refreshments. A valid photo ID required. | Pablo Molina or Angel Rivera 302-855-2130 ext 103 302-236-0514 (cell) |
| Sussex County AIDS Council, Inc. Macedonia A.M.E. Church 431 North Street Seaford, DE 19973 | June 27 12 -7 p.m. | Free confidential rapid HIV testing. Informational display. Refreshments and giveaways after receiving results. A valid photo ID required. | Wade Jones 302-644-1090 ext.15 |
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.
