DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas County Health and Human Services will be offering free HIV testing Thursday in honor of World AIDS Day. The effort is being done in partnership with AIDS Interfaith Network in order to raise HIV awareness and improve HIV education.
“This event will allow us the opportunity to not only test individuals, but also to raise awareness,” explained DCHHS director Zachary Thompson. “It is important for everyone to know their status, get educated about prevention and treatment, and help eliminate stigma associated with the epidemic.”
Testing for other sexually-transmitted diseases will also be offered for free on Thursday — including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Health officials have urged residents in Dallas County to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Individuals can take charge of their long-term health by first knowing their HIV status,” added Dr. Christopher Perkins with DCHHS. “As soon as an individual is diagnosed with HIV, they can begin managing the virus by receiving early intervention and treatment, and by living a healthy lifestyle.”
The free testing will be done from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the General Consulate of Mexico, 1210 River Bend Drive in Dallas.
Source: DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM)
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