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Here's How To Get Free Walk-in HIV Testing In Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Kent County Health Department is offering free walk-in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
The free testing will be available from 8 a.M. To 4 p.M. At the health department's 700 Fuller Ave. NE location in Grand Rapids, according to a county news release.
You do not have to be a resident of Kent County to receive testing. Patients will be asked to present a valid form of ID, but it is not required to be tested, said Kent County Communications Manager Christina Anthony.
The health department is hosting the free HIV testing day in recognition of World AIDS Day, which takes place annually on Dec. 1. More than 42 million people have died of complications from HIV, according to the news release.
"The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested, making it a critical step in protecting your health, the health of your partner, and the well-being of our entire community," said Christopher Bendekgey, KCHD Community Clinical Services Director, in a prepared statement.
HIV is typically spread by having unprotected sex or sharing needles or syringes. Health officials say the virus attacks the body's immune system and weakens its ability to fight disease and infection.
While most people experience flu-like symptoms a few weeks after HIV infection, some may show no symptoms at all, which can delay treatment and increase the risk of transmitting HIV to others, according to the health department.
Left untreated, the virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), resulting in serious illness or even death.
"Early detection not only helps prevent the spread of HIV, but it also opens the door to life-saving treatments that can slow or even stop the progression of the disease," Bendekgey said.
Health officials offered the following three strategies to prevent the spread of HIV:
More information about how to prevent and treat HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections can be found on the CDC's website.
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Phoebe Urgent Care Expands STD Testing Services
ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Phoebe Health System is expanding its sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing services to all of its five urgent care clinics, plus a sixth opening this fall.
The initiative, launched during STD Awareness Month, aims to increase access to vital healthcare in southwest Georgia. Testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomonas is now available as a walk-in service at all locations, with results typically available within 30 minutes.
"I think a lot of that just had to do with the stigma of long wait time or lack of access, so we just decided to bring those services closer to the community where we offered something that was convenient, affordable, and also discreet right here in our urgent care," said Aldrany Bishop a nurse practitioner at Phoebe Putney Health System.
Phoebe also emphasizes patient comfort and education, providing information on safe sex practices and prevention.Phoebe says the clinics offer confidential care, and most insurance plans cover the cost. Phoebe also emphasizes patient comfort and education, providing information on safe sex practices and prevention.
For more information, visit www.Phoebehealth.Com/urgentcare.
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