National HIV Testing Day will take place Monday, June 27.
In Southern New England, many places will offer free or low cost testing.
At AIDS Project Rhode Island, there is never a charge for HIV and Hepatitis C testing. The organization offers both tests twice a week.
Christion Battey, the program coordinator of HIV testing at AIDS Project Rhode Island, said the testing is not only free, but anonymous.
Knowing your status is important.
According to the CDC, one in eight people in this country are infected with HIV and don't know it.
The rapid test involves a stick you swab along your gum line, trying to detect HIV antibodies. The results show up in 15 minutes.
"If this was a reactive, we'd follow up with our partners at the Miriam Immunology Clinic, and we would go ahead and do a confirmatory test," Battey said, referring to both the HIV and hepatitis C rapid tests. "A lot of people don't want to know. It's a very scary thought, but it's also very empowering because there's always the 'what if,' and we can link you to care and get you on the right path."
If a person's test contains the HIV or Hepatitis C antibodies, it's important to note there is a cure for Hepatitis C.
For those diagnosed with HIV, there are effective medications.
"Today, people live long healthy, happy lives," Battey said.
In Southern New England, many places will offer free or low cost testing.
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Christion Battey, the program coordinator of HIV testing at AIDS Project Rhode Island, said the testing is not only free, but anonymous.
Knowing your status is important.
According to the CDC, one in eight people in this country are infected with HIV and don't know it.
The rapid test involves a stick you swab along your gum line, trying to detect HIV antibodies. The results show up in 15 minutes.
"If this was a reactive, we'd follow up with our partners at the Miriam Immunology Clinic, and we would go ahead and do a confirmatory test," Battey said, referring to both the HIV and hepatitis C rapid tests. "A lot of people don't want to know. It's a very scary thought, but it's also very empowering because there's always the 'what if,' and we can link you to care and get you on the right path."
If a person's test contains the HIV or Hepatitis C antibodies, it's important to note there is a cure for Hepatitis C.
For those diagnosed with HIV, there are effective medications.
"Today, people live long healthy, happy lives," Battey said.
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