RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — The Virginia Department of Health has teamed up with Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS to offer free HIV testing at a number of drug store locations across the state.
The free testing will take place on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for National HIV Testing Day.
State Health Commissioner Cynthia C. Romero said the state has seen nearly 5,000 cases of HIV from 2008 to 2012.
“The burden of HIV disease continues to have a disproportionate impact on certain populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities,” said Romero.
VDH reports that of the more than 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S., an estimated one in five or nearly a quarter of a million, do not know they have the virus. Additionally, one third of those tested are diagnosed so late into the infection that they develop AIDS within one year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone to know their status as early diagnosis and treatment saves lives and is known to reduce the spread of HIV.
In addition to the testing on Thursday and Friday, VDH offers free confidential testing year-round. To learn more about HIV or where to get a FREE HIV test, call the Disease Prevention Hotline at 800-533-4148.
Here’s a list of Walgreens locations taking part in National HIV Testing Day:
5122 Hull Street Rd.
Richmond VA 23224-2422
3715 Mechanicsville Tpke.
Richmond, VA 23223-1331
3520 Ellwood Ave.
Richmond, VA 23221-2723
Other locations:
1500 Piney Forest Rd.
Danville VA 24540-1706
2004 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502-5310
4841 Williamson Rd., N.W.
Roanoke, VA 24012-2331
3965 Holland Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452-2804
700 Frederick Blvd.
Portsmouth, VA 23707-3314
115 W. Little Creek Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23505-2512
810 W. 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517-1514
6717 Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria, VA 22306-6704
3050A Nutley St.
Fairfax, VA 22031-1924
761 E. Main St.
Purcellville, VA 20132-3178
