Private MD News

Groups offer free HIV testing to curb spread

Category: HIV

HIV and other STDs continue to spread at epidemic rates, particularly among teens and young adults. These individuals account for nearly half of all newly diagnosed disease, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

In an effort to slow the spread of these disease, many public health groups offer frees HIV and STD testing. Increasingly, these organizations are offering their services where they know they will be able to test people who are most directly affected by these infections.

For example, the AIDS Community Alliance of South Central Pennsylvania recently stopped by a night club to offer free HIV testing, according to the Patriot-News. The group tested 18 men for HIV and 15 women for other sexually transmitted diseases.

Charlie Miller, who was on hand for the testing event, told the news source that getting an HIV test can be one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the disease, because finding out about an infection can curb people's risky behavior.

"The first line of protection is asking their status," he said.