BELLOWS FALLS-On Friday, June 27, from noon to 6 p.m., the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSVT) will participate in the nation's largest coordinated National HIV Testing Day event by offering free rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing and counseling at Walgreens, 112 Rockingham St.
The event is part of the Greater Than HIV/STD campaign from KFF, a health policy nonprofit, in partnership with Walgreens, in which more than 420 health departments and community-based organizations offer free testing and information at more than 580 of the national drugstore chain's stores.
"This is a vital opportunity for residents of Windham and Bennington counties to receive free, confidential testing and begin prioritizing their health," said AIDS Project Executive Director Samba Diallo in a news release. "Taking that first step through early detection can be life-saving. It all begins with a simple test and knowing your risks."
APSVT has served Windham and Bennington counties since 1988. The organization provides HIV prevention, care coordination, and harm reduction and support services to individuals living with HIV and those most at risk.
Testing will be conducted in private rooms at Walgreens by trained APSVT staff, with results available in 20 minutes or less. No insurance or appointment is needed.
In addition to testing, APSVT staff will offer referrals, linkages to care, and answer questions about HIV prevention, including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and doxy PEP, (doxycycline administered post-exposure) as well as current treatment options.
For more information, contact APSVT at 802-254-4444.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.