The Ingham County Health Department is marking National HIV Test Day with free tests on Friday.
Testing is anonymous and confidential for anyone who attends the department’s event.
One in seven people with HIV don’t know their status.
Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail says people can live long, healthy lives with HIV, but only with diagnosis and treatment.
She says that like many diseases, HIV impacts people of color disproportionately even though it is not genetic. “It has to do with a lot of things that are stressors in life that then lead to diseases," Vail explains. "There are a lot of things related to our health care system and access to our health care system.”
Walk-in testing hours will be Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forest Community Health Center on South Cedar Street in Lansing. No picture ID or insurance is required. Results are available in about 20 minutes.
There also will be a personal consult for information on reducing risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases.
While supplies last, those tested will receive free Meijer gift cards.