FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 6, 2008

Health Department to have special HIV testing clinics

In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department has scheduled the following events for Feb. 7:

- HIV information booth and free confidential HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the  Health Department Atrium, 2400 Troost Ave. The testing will be on a walk-in basis.

- Free rapid and Orasure HIV testing from 1-4 p.m. at the Gregg-Klice Community Center, 1600 Buck O’Neil Way. The testing is a partnership between the Black Health  Care Coalition and the Kansas City Free Health Clinic. Free condoms and literature will be available.

"People should be tested regularly for HIV if they are sexually active," said Ron Griffin, manager of the Communicable Disease Prevention and Public Health Preparedness Division. "Knowing your status is the key in preventing the spread of this disease."

Free testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is routinely available at the Health Department on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the STD clinic.  Appointments are preferred and will shorten your wait time, but walk-ins are allowed. To schedule an appointment, call (816) 513-6379.

"Our goal is for people to get tested. If they test positive for HIV, then we want to help them get treatment," said Samantha Hughes, the Health Department's HIV Prevention and Planning Council Support manager.

For more information about the special clinic, call the Health Department, (816) 513-6132.

Media inquiries about this topic should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).