June 27 is National HIV Testing Day and two sites in Wichita will be offering free screenings along with extra goodies for anyone who gets tested.
While free HIV screenings are available at various sites across the county any day, KU School of Medicine Wichita and Hunter Health Clinic will be offering a little extra incentive on National HIV Testing Day.
Mike Madecky, the Ryan White program coordinator at the KU School of Medicine Wichita says national testing day is about raising awareness of HIV and preventing HIV from turning into AIDS.
“It’s important for people to know their status,” says Madecky.
“One of the things that’s real unfortunate is too many people experience illnesses and they don’t know their status until their immune system is greatly impacted by the disease. The sooner that people know their status and get treatment the better their prognosis is for living a full life.”
Tests take about 15 minutes. In addition to the two sites in Wichita, free tests will be offered in Newton, Hutchinson and Kansas City.
Times and contact information:
Reno County Health Department will provide free HIV testing from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. June 27. Reno County Health Department is located at 209 W 2nd Street. For more information contact Geri Hickman 620-694-2900
Newton- Harvey County Health Department will provide free HIV testing from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 27. Harvey County Health Department is located at 316 Oak Street. For more information contact Darla Stonehouse, Assistant Director of Nursing 316-283-1637 Ext 18.
Wichita – KU School of Medicine will provide free HIV testing and provide prevention “goodie” packets to those tested June 27 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. KU School of Medicine is located at 1010 North Kansas, Ste 3034 C. For more information contact Mike Madecky at 316-293-3405.
Wichita – Hunter Health Clinic will provide free rapid HIV testing June 27 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hunter Health Clinic is located at 2318 E. Central. Individuals who are being tested will receive a free gift. For more information contact Vonnie Long at 316-262-3611 Ext 1173.