Walgreens to provide free testing on National HIV Testing Day
Thu. June 27, 2019 9:38 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
walgreens provides free testing on national hiv testing day
photo credit // provided
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot getting tested to raise awareness
Chicago, IL -
Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS are partnering to provide free, confidential HIV testing and counseling at select Walgreens stores in more than 260 cities on National HIV Testing Day.
Today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., fast, HIV tests will be administered, no appointment needed, with results delivered on-site. HIV Counselors will also be on hand with information on prevention, early treatment and PrEP, a medication that offers an effective means of protection for those testing negative for HIV.
According to a recent national survey by KFF, which runs Greater Than AIDS, fewer than half of Americans know about PrEP, and many understate the health and preventative benefits of HIV treatment.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot will participate in National HIV Testing Day by being tested herself at a South Side Walgreens.
The National Testing Day Initiative is aimed at raising public awareness about the latest in HIV prevention, treatment and care as well as promoting HIV testing as a part of routine health care. More than 48,000 free HIV tests have been provided since 2011 as part of the annual event.
According to the CDC, an estimated 1.1 million people nationwide are living with HIV, including nearly 24,000 individuals in Chicago, 15% of whom have not been diagnosed. In 2017 nearly 24,000 individuals in Chicago were living with HIV with the majority being members of minority groups. Despite progress, the CDC estimates that 1 in 7 are unaware of their HIV status, underscoring the importance of easy access to testing.
For a full list of participating Walgreens stores, including the 22 locations in Chicago, visit greaterthan.org/walgreens.
Today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., fast, HIV tests will be administered, no appointment needed, with results delivered on-site. HIV Counselors will also be on hand with information on prevention, early treatment and PrEP, a medication that offers an effective means of protection for those testing negative for HIV.
According to a recent national survey by KFF, which runs Greater Than AIDS, fewer than half of Americans know about PrEP, and many understate the health and preventative benefits of HIV treatment.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot will participate in National HIV Testing Day by being tested herself at a South Side Walgreens.
The National Testing Day Initiative is aimed at raising public awareness about the latest in HIV prevention, treatment and care as well as promoting HIV testing as a part of routine health care. More than 48,000 free HIV tests have been provided since 2011 as part of the annual event.
According to the CDC, an estimated 1.1 million people nationwide are living with HIV, including nearly 24,000 individuals in Chicago, 15% of whom have not been diagnosed. In 2017 nearly 24,000 individuals in Chicago were living with HIV with the majority being members of minority groups. Despite progress, the CDC estimates that 1 in 7 are unaware of their HIV status, underscoring the importance of easy access to testing.
For a full list of participating Walgreens stores, including the 22 locations in Chicago, visit greaterthan.org/walgreens.