| State Clinics to Hold HIV Testing Day |
| June 9, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Free Testing Available on National HIV Testing Day at State Clinics at BMC PITTSFIELD, MA – The BMC State Clinics, located at the Neighborhood Health Center will host a free HIV testing day to coincide with National HIV Testing Day. The event will be held on Friday, June 27th from 4:30 to 8:30 pm at the State Clinics’ 510 North Street location. National HIV Testing Day is an annual campaign to encourage individuals to receive voluntary testing, to increase the number of people who know their status, and to ensure that HIV positive individuals are receiving appropriate medical care as soon as possible. The event will feature rapid HIV testing, with results available within one hour. In addition, testing will be available for sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. Hepatitis C testing will also be available. HIV testing will be anonymous, and all other testing will be confidential. Client confidentiality will be a priority for all aspects of the event. Healthcare professionals will be on-site during the event, including an RN, Nurse Practitioner, substance abuse counselor, mental health provider, an early intervention nurse and Spanish interpreters. The Berkshire Health Systems Community Outreach Van will provide free health screenings and insurance enrollment services for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Refreshments will be provided, and participants will receive a $10 supermarket gift card while supplies last. Anyone who would like to be tested but cannot attend the June 27th event can schedule an appointment with the State Clinics by calling 413-447-2654. The program is being hosted by the State Clinics at BMC in collaboration with the Neighborhood Health Center, American Red Cross, Brien Center, Berkshire HIV/AIDS Service Coordination Collaborative and Tapestry Health. The event is partially funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. For more information, call the State Clinics at BMC at 413-447-2654. |
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