Johnson County Public Health to hold special HIV testing event June 27

From Johnson County Public Health:

National HIV Testing Day was established in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) as a means to promote HIV testing.  As a demonstration of our continued commitment to combat the spread of HIV and encourage individuals to know their status, Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) will host a free HIV testing event in observance of National HIV Testing Day.  The event will include rapid HIV testing and personalized risk-reduction education provided by trained HIV counselors from JCPH.

“HIV continues to pose a substantial threat to health throughout the US and right here in eastern Iowa,” said Nicky Bennett, HIV Health Educator with JCPH.  “The convenience of rapid HIV testing technology, coupled with client-centered risk-reduction education provides individuals with the opportunity to take charge of their health and avoid the negative health effects of this virus.”

Tricia Kitzmann, Deputy Director of Johnson County Public Health added “Knowing your HIV status is one step you can take to stop the spread of this disease in our community.  Consistent with our mission of promoting health and preventing harm, Johnson County Public Health is committed to providing excellence in HIV testing and risk-reduction education.”

The National HIV Testing Day event will take place from 2:00 to 7:00 pm at the Iowa City Public Library located at 123 South Linn Street in downtown Iowa City on Wednesday, June 27

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.  All appointments will be walk-ins only.  Individuals will be offered a rapid HIV test and will receive their results in approximately 15 minutes.  While waiting for test results, individuals will be offered a personalized risk-reduction plan from a trained HIV counselor, HIV prevention education and risk-reduction materials.

The National HIV Testing Day event is offered in addition to services provided by JCPH during regular business hours from 8:00 am to 4:30pm.  Individuals may come to the department to receive HIV testing, prevention services and risk-reduction counseling and materials.

For more information about HIV testing and prevention services at Johnson County Public Health, please call 319-356-6040.