National HIV Testing Day is on Thursday, June 27 and this year’s theme is “Doing It My Way.” “Doing It My Way” encourages individuals to share their personal testaments of why testing is important. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of getting tested, understanding your risk, and knowing your HIV status. Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) will be partnering with several businesses throughout the week to observe the day and offer free, rapid HIV testing.

The CDPH HIV Prevention Program will be offering testing at two convenient locations:

  • Walgreens at 2670 Cobb Parkway SE; Smyrna, GA 30080 on June 27, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • CVS Pharmacy at 684 Cobb Parkway N.; Marietta, GA 30060 on June 29, 2019 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Both events will be open to the entire community, and everyone is encouraged to bring a friend. CDPH will be offering free testing, resources and much more. There will also be a radio broadcast on June 27 with a special guest appearance by Hot 107.9’s Gary with the Tea.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV, and 1 in 7 of them don’t know it. Currently, Cobb County is identified as one of the 48 counties with the highest incidence of HIV infection in the country.

“Knowing your status can be a stressful experience but having the peace of mind by getting tested allows everyone the opportunity to be knowledgeable about their sexual health and wellness,” said Karrie Pate, CDPH HIV Prevention Program Manager.

If you are unable to attend the event, CDPH offers free, rapid HIV testing at most all CDPH  locations, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more details, call 770-514-2815 or visit: https://www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com/services/adult-health-services/hiv-prevention/

About Cobb & Douglas Public Health

Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of “Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. We are dedicated to improving our residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies. For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.