NEW CITY, NY – In observance of National Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing Day, the Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is encouraging all residents to take advantage of free and confidential rapid HIV testing. Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV, and it is simple, easy, and quick.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
- Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
- Location: Rockland County Department of Health, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A, Second Floor, Pomona, New York
- Requirements: Photo ID required, no appointment needed
- Contact: For more information, call (845) 364-3771
Many individuals with HIV may not show symptoms and, therefore, do not receive the necessary medical care, inadvertently passing the virus on to others. An HIV test is the only definitive way to determine if you are HIV-positive. The testing process is confidential and quick, with results available in just 20 minutes.
Importance of Early Testing: “HIV is very treatable, and with early diagnosis and treatment, those living with HIV can now live as long and as well as those without HIV. We encourage County residents to take advantage of this easy and convenient opportunity to get tested for HIV,” said Dr. Chitra Punjabi, Director of TB and Communicable Disease Control at the Health Department.
HIV infection can lead to AIDS; however, early treatment significantly improves health outcomes. Early diagnosis allows doctors to monitor and manage your health more effectively, prolonging life and reducing the risk of transmitting HIV to others. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, knowing your HIV status is crucial to protecting your baby from infection.
Other Testing Options: If you cannot attend the event on June 27, there are other ways to get a free HIV test:
- RCDOH Sexual Health Clinic: Offers free, rapid, and confidential HIV tests, as well as HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to qualifying individuals. For more information and to make an appointment, call (845) 364-3771.
- RCDOH Family Planning Services Clinic: Offers free, rapid, and confidential HIV tests. For more information and to make an appointment, call (845) 364-2531.
- New York State Department of Health: Offers a toll-free HIV/AIDS Information Hotline at 1-800-541-2437 (Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm).
For more information about HIV and testing, visit the New York State Department of Health webpage.
Taking control of your health starts with getting tested. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the test and take control of your health and future.