World AIDS Day is observed Dec. 1 each year. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness that human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is still among us. It is also a day to unite with others around the world to prevent HIV, to provide support to individuals with HIV, and to remember those who have lost their life to an HIV-related illness.
This year’s theme is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” This theme emphasizes the U.S. government’s dedication to harnessing the significant progress that has been made through global and domestic HIV programs over the last four-plus decades, working to ensure that no communities are left behind. This year Carson City Health and Human Services is encouraging you to take control of your health to get started by getting tested for HIV.
Screening and testing are important prevention and treatment efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone between the ages of 13-64 should be tested at least once, and to test annually if you are an individual at risk for HIV, including:
• Any person who is sexually active
• Having sex with someone infected with the virus who is not in medical care
• Having more than one sex partner
• Engaging in unprotected sex
• If an individual is unaware of the sexual history of a sexual partner
• Sharing syringes/needles with others
Carson City Health and Human Services is hosting a free HIV testing day in honor of World AIDS day. This walk-in clinic will be hosted on Monday, Dec. 2 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to come get tested.
The Clinic at Carson City Health and Human Services is located at 900 E. Long St., on JAC bus routes 1, 2A and 2B. Free HIV testing is available each day, but on Dec. 2, there is no need to call ahead or make an appointment.
If you are not available to come by on Dec. 2 or are not able to make it to our clinic in Carson City, you can find other medical offices that offer free HIV testing near you at https://endhivnevada.org/free-hiv-testing-locations/.
For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/, or give us a call at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, or Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity.