Free HIV Testing Offered Thursday Through Saturday

Free and low-cost HIV testing provided by area clinics, nonprofits, and the Public Health Department will be available on June 26, 27, and 28 in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. Close to 1,000 residents of Santa Barbara County have been diagnosed with HIV, and another 500-1,000 may be unknowingly infected with the disease.

HIV testing is painless and simple with the OraQuick rapid test, which involves a swab of the mouth, and results are available in about 20 minutes. Urine and blood tests are also available. The earlier a person is tested, the sooner they can get the treatment they need to maintain their health, and reduce the chances of spreading HIV to someone else.

Free or low-cost testing will be offered at the following locations:

• Lompoc Public Health Clinic (301 N. R St.), Thursday, June 25, 2-4 p.m.
• Santa Barbara Public Health Clinic (345 Camino del Remedio), Friday, June 26, 8-11:30 a.m.
• Santa Maria Public Health Clinic (2115 Centerpointe Pkwy), Friday, June 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
• Westside Medical Clinic (628 W. Micheltorena), Friday, June 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Pacific Pride Foundation (126 E. Haley, Suite A-11), Friday, June 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Planned Parenthood Santa Barbara (518 Garden St.), Friday, June 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Planned Parenthood Santa Maria (415 E. Chapel), Friday, June 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Santa Maria Public Library (421 S. McClelland), Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Guadalupe Veteran’s Hall (1025 Guadalupe St.), Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

For more information about HIV and AIDS, check out these Web sites aids.gov, cdc.gov, and sbcphd.org or call (805) 681-5120.