The University of Toledo Medical Center will host a free and confidential HIV screening event Friday night in downtown Toledo.
The event will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight outside Georgjz419, 1205 Adams St. Testing will be done via a finger prick, with results available in about 20 minutes.
While the number of Americans newly diagnosed with HIV fell to a little more than 32,000 in 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still estimates that one in eight individuals with HIV don’t know they have the disease.
“National HIV Testing Day is a great opportunity to encourage everyone to test, as it empowers you to make decisions about your health,” said Katie Himich, program director at the UTMC Care Clinic. “Testing negative might mean connecting to HIV prevention opportunities like PrEP. We can connect you with care and treatment options if you test HIV positive.”
This is the second year in a row UTMC has hosted a late-night testing event ahead of National HIV Testing Day, observed each year on June 27.
“This a way for us to get out into the community, meet people where they are and provide an important service. It also allows us to highlight the resources we have at the UTMC Care Clinic,” Himich said. “We had a great response last year and we’re glad to be able to do this again for the Toledo community.”
Blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available in addition to HIV testing. Maybe Cheese Born With It, a drag queen-owned food truck specializing in mac and cheese, also will be on hand.
The UTMC Care Clinic provides comprehensive HIV care services through the Ryan White Program and also provides education, prevention and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
