Center on Halsted observes National Gay Men's HIV and AIDS Awareness Day with free testing

Chicago, IL - In support of National Gay Men's HIV and AIDS Awareness Day, Center on Halsted's HIV services team is providing free, onsite rapid walk-in HIV testing and linkage to care and other supportive services on Thursday., Sept. 26. 

National Gay Men's HIV and AIDS Awareness Day is a national effort founded by the National Association of People with AIDS to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among gay and bisexual men. And while NAPWA closed its doors earlier this year, this annual effort continues and is held on Sept. 27 every year and promoted by the CDC.

Gay and bisexual men of all races remain among the most affected populations by HIV, and according to the CDC they currently account for 61 percent of all new HIV infections as of 2009. Because of this increased risk, the CDC recommends at least an annual test for HIV

The Center on Halsted event will take place Thursday, Sept. 26 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight at the marketing table located in the main lobby of Center on Halsted at 3656 N. Halsted St. 

To learn about testing sites near you, visit the National HIV and STD Testing resource site or call 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).