EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- The mayors of Lane County's two larggest cities are getting behind an effort for people to know their HIV status. Wednessday, June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. HIV Alliance of Eugene said Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg have drawn up proclamations to support this day of awareness.The Alliance reports it will offer free tests to the first 25 people wanting to know their status next Wednesday. The staff will also offer counseling and answer any questions. HIV Alliance Program Director Renee Vandel stated that knowing your status is just a way of arming yourself with healthy knowledge; it also helps to spread awareness about how the epidemic is affecting people in our viewing area. “The CDC has recommended that all adults, 13 to 64, get tested at least once in their life,” said Vandel. “And the reason for that is because once people know their status, they're more likely to make changes that keep them and their partner safe. And this prevents new infections.”
The test involves a quick swab of the mouth. Results of the OraQuick rapid HIV test take only twenty minutes to be returned.
For the HIV National Testing Day Wednesday, June 27, 2012, HIV Alliance will offer free tests to the general population in the morning at its offices at 1977 Garden Avenue in Eugene and at an afternoon clinic at the Community Alliance of Lane County office, 458 Blair Boulevard in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood. Access to both clinics will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
