Free HIV testing to come to Albany, GA, Walgreens for National HIV Testing Day

Lucille Lannigan, The Albany Herald, Ga.
·2 min read

ALBANY – Free HIV testing will be available at the Walgreens on 300 N Slappey Blvd. in Albany on National HIV Testing Day, June 27.

The Southwest Health District will be at the location from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing free testing and counseling. Counselors will be able to answer questions about HIV, STDs and provide information on treatment options. This may include referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or FDA-approved medications that are preventative of HIV.

No appointment is needed, but participants must be registered by 2 p.m. for testing.

This partnership with the Southwest Health District, Kaiser Family Foundation’s Greater Than HIV and Walgreens is the largest coordinated National HIV Testing Day event in the country. Record numbers of tests are expected

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a chronic condition caused by HIV, according to the Mayo Clinic. HIV damages the immune system, making the body less able to fight infection or disease. If HIV isn’t treated, it may take years before it becomes AIDS.

HIV can be spread through sex without protection or through contact with blood, such as when using shared needles or syringes. An untreated person can spread HIV to a child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

There are more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. today, according to KFF. One in seven people living with HIV in the U.S. is unaware that he or she has it, according to the CDC, which recommends getting tested for HIV as part of routine health care

In Georgia, there were 59,422 people living with HIV in 2021, according to data collected by AIDSVu. According to the same site, southwest Georgia counties have some of the highest rates in the state. Dougherty County had a rate of about 80 people living with HIV per 1,000 in 2021; however, this number may be inflated with the Dougherty jail population.

Since 2011, this partnership has provided more than 80,000 free HIV tests through the in-store National HIV Testing Day program. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet; however, it’s preventable. An early diagnosis and treatment can provide a better quality and extended life for those infected. Persons with HIV can significantly reduce chances when on antiretroviral medications.

KFF recommends: Talk openly, use protection, get tested and get treated.