Free HIV testing offered on World AIDS Day
In conjunction with World AIDS Day, two local organizations will be offering free HIV testing to the community in both Yuma and San Luis, Ariz.
On Dec. 1, Back to the Basics Please, Inc. will be partnering with the Regional Center for Border Health medical mobile unit offering free HIV testing at two San Luis locations. Locations include the San Luis Walk-in Clinic, 1896 E. Babbit Ln., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and in front of the Del Sol Market at Plaza Reidel, 10th Ave and Juan Sanchez Blvd, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The same event will also be held at Arizona Western College, 2020 S. Avenue 8E, on Dec. 4 between the AC and LR buildings, facing the 3C building from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All locations will also have educational information available as well.
“Our focus is education and free HIV testing,” stated BTTBP officials. “HIV infections continue to be a huge problem in our communities; moreover, the number of people who do not know they are infected continues to rise. Those who are infected and don't know are at a much greater risk of infecting others. Untreated HIV infection causes opportunistic infections and a greater chance of an onset of AIDS.”
The World Health Organization organized the first World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, 1988. Every year on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day aims to remember those lost to the disease, draw attention to the needs of millions living with HIV/AIDS, promote education, honor progress made in the battle against AIDS and renew commitments made to tackle the epidemic.
“AIDS has already claimed the lives of more than 25 million people throughout the world, while an estimated 33.2 million live with HIV – alarming numbers highlighting the need to remain vigilant,” BTTBP shared. “It is one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. The Yuma World AIDS Day Event is one of many efforts to spread common messages on prevention and increasing the awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among our citizens.”
Contact BTTBP president Brandon Bennett at brandon.m.bennett@bttbp.org or visit www.bttbp.org for more information about the free HIV testing events.
Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.
