Free HIV tests offered as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services and the African-American State of Emergency Task Force, a group of health agencies and community organizations, will offer free HIV testing February 7 as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Testing will be provided from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sunnyside Health Center, 9314 Cullen; Prince Complex, 3000 Jensen Drive; and Sharpstown Mall, 7500 Bellaire Blvd.
The event’s goal is to motivate African Americans to get tested and know their HIV status, become educated about HIV transmission modes, get involved in their community and seek treatment if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed.
Blacks in Houston and Harris County represent 54 percent of the 15,837 HIV infections reported to the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) since 1999. They also make up 40 percent of the 25,359 local AIDS cases reported to the department since the start of the epidemic in 1981.
