Free HIV, STD testing during December to bring awareness of World AIDS Day - East Idaho News

Free HIV, STD testing during December to bring awareness of World AIDS Day - East Idaho News

Free HIV, STD testing during December to bring awareness of World AIDS Day - East Idaho News

Posted: 02 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST

World AIDS Day is December 1. | Courtesy hiv.gov

IDAHO FALLS — Free HIV and STD testing will be available throughout the month of December in recognition of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

To show support and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) joins with Breaking Boundaries in hosting the event. Members of the community can take part in the confidential rapid HIV testing plus STD testing for things such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

"It's important to know your status because with knowledge there's power," EIPH Spokeswoman Mimi Taylor said.

A person can be exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections by having unprotected sex or sharing syringes and needles. It is spread through contact with blood, breast milk of an infected person, semen and vaginal fluids.

Once a person has HIV, they will always have it. The virus can also lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, known as AIDS.

"With new and evolving treatment possibilities, the sooner you can be tested and diagnosed, the sooner we can start treatment and make it so you have a more positive health outcome," Taylor said.

The schedule for free HIV/STD testing in December. | Courtesy Eastern Idaho Public Health

The event is one of three free testing opportunities that are typically put on during the year. There's also testing in April for National STD Awareness Month and June for National HIV Testing Day that takes place on June 27.

"It is recommended that everyone gets tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, more frequently if recommended by a health care provider," EIPH Nurse Manager Nikki Sayer said in a press release. "Detecting HIV, like other diseases, can lead to better health outcomes if found early."

Along with the December testing, the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be showcased to the public for free at Elks Lodge (640 E. Elva in Idaho Falls). The quilt is a memorial to those who passed on from AIDS-related causes.

"In the concept of a patchwork quilt, when they're all bound together (the patches) it brings unity that it's all part of a bigger epidemic," Taylor said about the disease.

The dates to see the display run from Dec. 3-4 from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. As for the testing, it begins Dec. 6 and wraps up Dec. 19. Those interested in being tested are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment.

HEALTH CALENDAR - Lifestyle - BlueRidgeNow.com

Posted: 31 Dec 2019 02:45 AM PST

Editor's note: To add events or make corrections to this calendar, contact Charity Apple at capple@thetimesnews.com or call 336-506-3057.

EXERCISE & FITNESS

Zumba: 10 a.m. Friday, Mebane Public Library, 101 S. First St., Mebane. For ages 14 and up. For more details, call 919-563-6431.

New Beginner Tai Chi classes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (morning and evening classes), starting Jan. 7-8. Free and low-cost for all ability levels. For more details, visit https://bubblingspringnc.com. To register, call 336-578-9671 or email 1kimter1@gmail.com.

WEIGHT LOSS GROUPS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS 53, Graham: 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Graham Presbyterian Church (hut), 101 N. Maple St., Graham. New members welcome. bekops2016@gmail.com.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS 109, Burlington: The club meets from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Kernodle Senior Center, 1535 S. Mebane St. New members welcome.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS NC 349, Burlington: 6 p.m. Mondays at Lakeview Community Church, Burlington. Peggy Faucette at 336-584-6245.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS 367, Saxapahaw: 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Moore's Chapel Baptist Church hut on Church Road off N.C. 87. Nonprofit weight-loss support group. No obligation to join.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS 371, Elon: 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday at Ossipee Baptist Church, 2470 Old N.C. 87, Elon.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS 537, Burlington: weigh-in at 6 p.m. and meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Monday, Southern Caswell Ruritan Club, 9614 Hwy. 62 South, Burlington.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS 650, Burlington: 5:45 p.m. today for weigh-ins at the Harriet House behind Brookwood Baptist Church on Davis Street. Meeting at 6:15 p.m.

NOTE: To find a meeting location throughout Alamance County, visit www.tops.org and click "Find A Meeting," then type in your zip code to find a meeting at a time and place convenient for you. Your first visit is free.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Alamance County Health Department: offers immunizations, well-child checkups and dental care for children as well as prenatal care, family planning services and STD treatment. 336-227-0101.

HIV testing: Walk-in testing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Alamance Cares, 3025 S. Church St., Burlington. Results received in 20 minutes. Free. For more information or to schedule an appointment for another time, call 336-538-8111.

Syphilis and Hepatitis C testing: Walk-in testing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, Alamance Cares, 3025 S. Church St., Burlington. Results received in seven days. For more information or to schedule an appointment for another time, call 336-538-8111.

North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program: Free or low-cost breast and cervical screenings and follow-up services for eligible low-income, uninsured or underinsured women living in Alamance and surrounding counties. For information, call Christy Burton at 336-538-7855.

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