HIV testing saves lives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Connecticut Department of Public Health
June 26, 2012 Contact: William Gerrish
(860) 509-7270
Hartford – In recognition of National HIV Testing Day (June 27th), the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging Connecticut residents to get tested for HIV.
“Getting tested for HIV gives people a chance to take control and know their status,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “If you find out you are infected with HIV you can seek medical care and get treatment, which helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. Knowing your status can also lower the chances of passing HIV to others.”
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that approximately one in five people with HIV do not know they are infected. Over 10,000 Connecticut residents are known to be living with HIV. Over 2,000 additional people in the state may have HIV but do not know it.
Several agencies throughout the state offer HIV testing at no charge. Visit www.ct.gov/dph/hivtesting, or call (860) 509-7801 to find out where to get tested. In addition, people can locate local HIV testing sites by visiting www.HIVtest.org or sending a text message with their ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948).
Anyone who is 13 years of age or older can be treated or tested confidentially and without parental consent. The CDC recommends that everyone 13-64 years old be tested for HIV.
In 2009, the Connecticut General Assembly passed House Bill 6391, An Act Concerning Revisions to the HIV Testing Consent Law. This law, which went into effect July 1, 2009, facilitates routine HIV screening in health care settings by eliminating the requirement for a separate written or oral consent for HIV testing. Testing is still voluntary.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease that causes the body to lose its natural protection against infection.
The Connecticut Department of Public is the state's leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.
National HIV Testing Day Activities
Bridgeport -
Optimus Health Care, 982-988 East Main Street, Bridgeport
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Southwest Community Health Center (WIC parking lot), 1020 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., free refreshments and a gift card to the first 10 people who get tested
Hartford -
AIDS Project Hartford, Connections, 1229 Albany Avenue, Hartford
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing all day
Central AHEC (Area Health Education Center), Washington Avenue and Park Street
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hartford Youth HIV Identification & Linkage (HYHIL), 3185 Washington Avenue, Hartford
June 27, 2012, Overseeing and coordinating city-wide testing event and providing outreach in collaboration with AIDS Project Hartford, Central AHEC, Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective and Latinos Community Services
Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, Albany Avenue and Garden Street (near Community Health Services)
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from mobile van, 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Latinos Community Services, Unity Plaza, near Keney Park
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
New Britain -
Human Resources Agency, 57 Arch Street, New Britain
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Haven -
Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, 400 Columbus Avenue, New Haven
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing during health fair, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free HIV testing will also be offered by the Dental and OB/GYN Clinics.
New Haven Health Department,
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing at the following locations: Taking Initiative Center, 514 Whalley Avenue; Village of Power, 226 Dixwell Avenue; Saint Thomas Soup Kitchen, 12 Trumbull Street, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
June 28, 2012, Offering free HIV testing at the following locations: Christ Church Soup Kitchen, 84 Broadway, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Syringe Exchange Van, Grand and Lamberton Street stop, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Yale New Haven Hospital, Nathan Smith Clinic, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven
June 26-27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing to partners of Nathan Smith clients during Men’s Health Week
Norwalk -
Norwalk Health Department, 137 East Avenue, Norwalk
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., raffles, giveaways, literature
Stamford –
Stamford Health Department, 888 Washington Blvd., 8th Floor, Stamford
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Counselors will be available to provide testing to the public without appointments.
Torrington -
Waterbury Health Department, Torrington Soup Kitchen, Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect Street, Torrington
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Also providing literature, health games and other activities.
Waterbury -
Waterbury Health Department and Waterbury Hospital ID Clinic, Downtown Waterbury Green, West Main Street
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing on the mobile health van, providing literature and safety materials and free giveaway items. HIV/AIDS facts, statistics and poems of inspiration will be announced from the van's PA system. Waterbury Hospital's ID Clinic will conduct outreach.
Windham -
Latinos Community Services, 888 Main Street, Willimantic
June 27, 2012, Offering free HIV testing from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Event is a collaborative effort with the following agencies: Generation Family Health Center, Latinos Community Services, Perception Programs, Planned Parenthood, Windham AIDS Program and Area Health Education Centers