In light of National HIV Testing Day, Mecklenburg County Public Health is taking a hands-on approach to tackle the ongoing public health issue of HIV. The county's facilities are set to offer free screenings for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to all residents interested in knowing their status. "We are committed to supporting our community and reducing HIV," Dr. Chaquetta Johnson, Mecklenburg County assistant Health director of Preventive Health, was quoted saying in a county news release. She emphasized, "HIV continues to be a public health challenge and we want to bring attention to the services available to help our residents."
The free screenings are scheduled for June 27 from noon to 6 p.m., coinciding with the nation-wide awareness initiative. Individuals can access these services at three Charlotte-area locations, including Hickory Grove Library, Valerie C. Woodard, and Grier Heights. Mecklenburg County has teamed up with Novant Health and other community partners to not only widely offer screenings but also to provide education on the subject. This initiative comes after data from 2023 indicated that there were 273 new HIV diagnoses among adults and adolescents in Mecklenburg County, with a rate of 29.4 per 100,000, which underscore the sustained necessity to actively promote and provide HIV prevention and care.
This year, the campaign carries the theme "Level up your self-love: check your status," echoing the importance of personal health awareness. It extends an invite for community members to visit these convenient non-traditional screening locations for educational materials, case management, and linkage to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services, while also offering at-home HIV/STD test kits. The effort aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, which chart the path for reducing HIV/AIDS transmission and ensuring those affected have access to crucial services.
Outside of the National HIV Testing Day, residents need not wait to get tested; screenings for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are available throughout Mecklenburg County with flexible hours, and an appointment is not required. For those in need of further information, Mecklenburg County Public Health can be reached at 704-432-TEST (8378) or via email at [email protected].
While the public is encouraged to take full advantage of these offerings, the media has been reminded of the privacy rights of individuals seeking screenings. In line with HIPAA privacy laws and as part of the respect for privacy at such events, the media has been asked not to attend but to assist in promoting awareness surrounding the availability of free HIV screenings.
