NRVCS, New River Health District team up to promote HIV Testing Day
Radford, VA – Officials with New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) and the New River Health District (NRHD) have announced a joint effort to promote awareness of National HIV Testing Day, which is being observed this year on Saturday, June 27.
Since being launched in 1995, the goal of National HIV Testing Day is to encourage individuals to get tested for HIV, to learn their status, and to seek care and treatment should they test positive.
In addition to promotion of Testing Day and sharing of HIV-related information via social media, both NRVCS and NRHD representatives will be on hand at the Radford Pride event scheduled for June 27 at Triangle Park (330 West Main Street). Health department nurses will provide on-site testing for HIV, as well as literature and resources pertaining to sexual health. Take-home HIV test kits will also be available.
Federal health officials hope to see HIV infections reduced by 90% before 2030. Reaching this goal employs four key strategies: diagnose, treat, prevent, and respond. The partnership between NRVCS and the New River Health District will incorporate each of these strategies.
“HIV continues to be a concern for our local community given the prevalence of intravenous substance use,” notes NRVCS Executive Director Chris Taylor. “Both of our agencies routinely work with a population engaged in this activity – and while we’re obviously concerned with substance use challenges, we recognize it’s equally important to help people be as safe and as healthy as possible until a recovery journey begins or resumes.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our two agencies to work together to address the issues affecting our communities and the people we serve,” adds Dr. Noel Bissell, Director of the New River Health District. “We want to help people feel empowered to make personal health a priority – knowing HIV risk factors and status is one important way to do just that. The New River Health District is here to provide non-judgmental, stigma-free services to all NRV residents, at this important community event and every day.”
NRVCS and NRHD will be working together to cover the cost of testing and lab work. At-home test kits will also be made available to community members at no cost.
For additional information about National HIV Testing Day, as well as treatment and prevention resources, visit www.hiv.gov.
