The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

On Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25 free HIV and Syphilis testing is being offered in various communities through-out the Golden Triangle through the combined efforts of The Texas Department of State Health Services, Family Pharmacy, Baptist Hospital, Triangle AIDS Network (TAN), Project AIDS Land Manor (PALM), Legacy Community Health Services and The Texas Black Women’s Initiative.

Free HIV testing sites will be located at the local Family Pharmacy in Vidor, Bridge City, Beaumont, China and Mauriceville from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on both days. No appointment is necessary and testing will be offered on a first come first served basis.

According to the latest CDC reports there are 50,000 new cases of HIV in the United States each year. 12,000 of these new cases are reported in those who are between 13 and 24 years old. Currently 70,000 Texans are living with HIV and 1 in 4 citizens do not know that they are HIV positive and are more likely to transmit HIV to others or die of AIDS related illnesses.

HIV can only be detected through laboratory testing of whole blood or oral fluid samples. Testing is confidential and those who are HIV positive will be linked to medical care regardless of their ability to pay for services.

The Texas Department of State Health Services, Family Pharmacy, Baptist Hospital, TAN, PALM, Legacy and The Texas Black Women’s Initiative all have a long standing tradition of offering preventative medical services and long term medical care to our community; and are pleased to collaborate in this every important community service event.