Today is National HIV Testing Day

Today is National HIV Testing Day. On this day, organizations unite with partners and health departments to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV.

The Family Planning and STD Clinic of Quincy encourages HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day and every day to ensure people get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment services.

The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy.

Prevention is the key in decreasing a person’s chance of contracting HIV. Abstinence is 100% effective! Being in a mutually monogamous relationship and choosing a partner with few previous partners along with using a condom are all strategies utilized to decrease a person’s chance of being exposed and potentially contracting an HIV infection.

The Family Planning & STD Clinic offers testing for HIV each Tuesday through Friday during practitioner hours. Those requesting testing should call for an appointment at 224-6877. The charge for the appointment is $60 which covers the cost of seeing a provider. All testing supplies and lab fees are at no additional charge. The office is located at 636 Hampshire, Suite 201 in Quincy. These lab services are provided through the Illinois Department of Health, STD Section.