Free HIV testing Friday, Saturday in honor of World Aids Day
World AIDS Day arrives this weekend and with it, a number of events in El Paso.
The internationally-recognized event is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection. It also commemorates those who lost their battle to the disease and encourage people to know their status.
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health will hold free screenings Friday, Nov. 30 at 701 Montana. They will be confidential, running from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“As of 2016, we have a total of 2,061 individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV,” Irene Ovalle, the HIV prevention manager with the City of El Paso Dept. of Public Health, said. “While that number seems like it’s a lot of people, we feel there are a lot of people who are not aware of their status so it’s important to take this time to commemorate those people on World Aids Day and offer a time to know your status, to get tested.”
In addition, there are plenty of events on Saturday, Dec. 1, which is the official World AIDS Day.
An AIDS walk will start at 9 a.m. in Memorial Park. Find out more information at Border AIDS Partnership’s Facebook page.
The city will also have things happening downtown:
1 p.m. Longtime companion 2:40 p.m. Love! Valour! Compassion 4 p.m. Organizations ‘on the spot’ fashion show 5 p.m. Remembrance 5:50 p.m. Closing prayer All events happening at the Foundation Room, 333 N. Oregon
Find more contact information at the Department of Public Health’s website.
