As a part of National HIV Testing Day, there will be a free, confidential HIV testing event located at 2316 S Cedar St at the Forest Community Health Center in Lansing on Thursday 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said there is still a stigma around HIV testing that they are working toward eliminating as people may be reluctant to be tested for that reason.
“1 in 7 people with HIV don’t know that they are HIV positive,” said Vail. "Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. People who are at a higher risk may need to be tested anuually or every 3 to 6 months."
Attendees will be able to discuss risk factors and ways to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other STIs at the event. No appointments are needed.
The Ingham County Health Department is also offering free Meijer gift cards to those who get tested, while supplies last. For more information contact the HIV/STI prevention program at (517)-887-4424.
