Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Monday, June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Since 1995, this special day has been set aside to encourage HIV testing. It is recommended everyone between the age 13 and 64 test; however, those at a higher risk should test more often. Testing is the first step to a healthy life and prevents the spread of HIV. GO CARE Community Health Center will host an HIV testing event on June 27, 2022 from 10am to 4pm at 1801 N 7th St. in West Monroe LA. The test is free, you’ll receive your results in less than five minutes, and we won’t be taking appointments for this event. This year’s theme is “HIV Testing is Self-Care”, and knowing your status is the gateway to engaging in prevention or treatment services that enables you, regardless of your status, to live a long and healthy life. Testing is the key to ending the HIV epidemic. There are 22,500 people in Louisiana living with HIV and an estimated 13% more, or 3,000 who don’t know they have it. Nearly 40% of new HIV transmissions are from people who don’t know they have the virus. People who test positive can take medications that can keep them healthy for many years and greatly reduce their chances of passing HIV to others sexually by helping them reach undetectable status. Research shows that anyone who is undetectable and remains undetectable cannot transmit HIV though sex. Anyone lives in Region 8, doesn’t know their status, and is at least 13 years old is invited to test, so please join us for this chance to get tested, have a snack, and win up to $1,000!