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HIV Testing in St. Joseph

June 23, 2016 | National Testing Day is June 27, 2016 and is set as a reminder to our communities of the importance of HIV testing. Many of us see a day like National Testing Day and say ‘what a great initiative’ or  ‘what a great idea’. Unfortunately the only way we can make a day like National Testing Day successful is to actually get tested.

 

Take for example someone like Patrick (view Patrick’s full story here). Patrick was down about 40 lbs. from his normal weight when he felt something was wrong. He wasn’t feeling well and he decided to get tested.

 

In the video Patrick speaks about how getting tested was “one of the most adult and important decisions of my life.” Patrick goes on to talk about the impact his positive status had on his life and his family. The positive test was important to his health because without knowing his status he didn’t know how to properly control his health.

 

Getting tested is about being aware and educating ourselves. Getting tested helps you to protect yourself, your partners, your friends and family. Knowing what your status is allows you to take appropriate measures, if positive.

 

Many individuals with HIV live healthy lives, plus the CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine healthcare.

 

How to get tested:

 

Check out this HIV test locator to find a HIV testing station near you. For those located in St. Joseph and surrounding areas, you can take advantage of National Testing Day at Northwest Health Services.

 

On June 27, 2016 Northwest Health’s Family Medicine Associates clinic will be offering free HIV tests from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

For those who can’t make it, Northwest Health will be extending testing to the North End Health Center on June 28, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

Come by and learn your status and take the right step in knowing your body and educating yourself on HIV.

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