Health Department

STD FREE to Host HIV Testing Event at Hadley Park June 27, 2009

HIV Testing Event and Media Contacts: Lyn Whitlow, STD FREE! 260-0346, or Brian Todd, Metro Public Health Department, 340-2153

STD FREE TO HOST FREE HIV TESTING EVENT AT HADLEY PARK
AS PART OF NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY SATURDAY, JUNE 27th

WHO:

STD Free!, Metro Public Health Department, Meharry Medical College, and the Tennessee Department of Health's Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination.

WHAT:

STD Free! and community sponsors will host a free HIV testing event as part of National HIV Testing Day. The event will include free live music and refreshments and food. HIV testing will be offered by Nashville CARES, Street Works, First Response Center, Mt. Nebo, and Galaxy Star.

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual event meant to raise awareness of the importance of knowing one's HIV status and encourage at-risk individuals to receive an HIV test.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 27 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

WHERE:

Hadley Park, 28th and Jefferson Street

WHY:

Why Testing is Important

Every 9½ minutes another person in the United States becomes infected with HIV. Testing allows everyone to know if they are infected with HIV; seek early medical care if infected; Protect yourself and others from HIV; educate yourself and others about HIV.

An estimated 250,000 people in the United States have HIV and are not aware of it. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status and gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.

African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. While making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for black men ages 35 to 44.

STD FREE! Provides FREE HIV testing and also provides STD testing, referrals and education. STD Free! presents Annual community events including Community Testing Day and National HIV Testing Day. The organization provides community prevention presentations and operates a 30-agency coalition of social service, governmental, youth, clinics and other agencies that plan and present prevention activities. Coalition membership is free to the public; members meet monthly to plan events.