Nashville Cares will provide free, confidential HIV counseling and testing services on National Testing Day, Friday, June 27 and on June 29. This is the ninth year the group has offered the free service.
Patrick Luther, Nashville CARES director of education, said in a release that it is now recommended for everyone age 13-65 who has had sex or shared a need, regardless of who they have done that with, be tested annually for HIV.
"One reason the epidemic continues locally is a high viral load in Nashville," Luther said. "If everyone knew their HIV status, accessed life saving care and treatment, and protected their partners, far fewer new infections would occur.”
HIV testing is one of many invaluable tools needed to combat the AIDS epidemic here in Middle Tennessee, the US and the world. Knowing your HIV status is easy, safe, free, painless, and it is the responsible thing to do. HIV testing is the first step to assuring HIV positive people take advantage of all of the advances made in the treatment of HIV disease available today, and results can be obtained in minutes.
In 2008 and beyond, every adult and adolescent should be tested for HIV as part of their normal annual screening exam right along with PAP smears, blood counts and prostate exams. For those lacking access to routine care, Nashville CARES and other local providers can offer HIV Testing free of charge, and as needed, link people who test positive to resources that can help assure their health for years and decades to come.
To commemorate National HIV Testing Day Nashville CARES education staff and volunteers will be present at several locations to increase testing awareness throughout the weekend. Look for our staff and get a free test at the following locations:
June 27: 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Vivian’s House of Glamour/Karyn’s House of Elegance 1824 Jefferson Street 582-9219
June 27: 11 a.m. -5 p.m. All Eyes on you 1808 Jefferson Street 329-3555
June 27: 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Panache 1700 Jefferson Street 329-3555
June 27: 11a.m -5 p.m. Nwain’s Barber and Style 1030 Jefferson Street 291-9909
June 27: 8 p.m. -11 p.m. Blue Genes 1715 Church Street 329-3508
June 29: After Morning Service, Earnest Newman United Methodist Church 2001 Manchester Avenue
June 29: After Morning Service, Hobson United Methodist 1107 Chapel Avenue
June 29: Ray of Hope Community Church 1419 12th Avenue South
Nashville CARES offers free and confidential HIV testing every week day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 501 Brick Church Park Drive. You can schedule a testing event at your business, church or social group by contacting Kevin Lawson at 615-259-4866 or klawson@nashvillecares.org.
Now in its 23rd year of operation, Nashville CARES remains Middle Tennessee’s leading nonprofit AIDS education and service agency. We educate the community for increased understanding and prevention of HIV transmission, advocate for responsible public policy, and provide services that improve the quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS and their families. For more information about HIV testing events, or to schedule a test, contact Nashville CARES or visit www.nashvillecares.org.