Because of National HIV Testing Day, Cobb and Douglas Public Health invites the community to a free HIV Testing “Beach Party” on June 20.
Testing will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20 at Marietta Public Health Center, Building A, Boardroom, 1650 County Services Parkway, Marietta.
During the June 20 testing event, door prizes, a pair of free sunglasses for each participant and entry into the Main Event and iFly Indoor Skydive studio ticket drawing will take place.
Additional free HIV testing events will be held:
- June 21 at the new Smyrna Public Health Center, 3001 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna and
- June 22 at Walgreens, 2670 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna.
Open to everyone with no appointments necessary, testing is confidential with results ready in 60 seconds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and nearly 1 in 8 do not know they are infected.
Georgia is ranked fifth in the nation for the number of persons living with HIV, and two-thirds live in the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area.
“One of the most alarming statistics surrounding HIV is the fact that so many don’t know they are infected,” said Rachel Franklin, director of epidemiology at Cobb & Douglas Public Health.
“We want to help the community understand that you can live happy, healthy lives even with HIV thanks to advances in treatment; but knowing your status and getting into care are the first steps you have to take,” she added. “Holding events like these helps reduce barriers for the community to take that crucial first step.”
Information: 770-514-2815 or CobbAndDouglasPublicHealth.org/hiv
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