Free HIV testing at Walgreens today

Friday, June 27, 2014

photo Walgreen's pharmacy manager Sarah Freedman stands in a store in this file photo.

Free HIV testing is being offered at Walgreens sites throughout Tennessee today and tomorrow as a part of a National HIV Testing Day.

The Tennessee Department of Health is helping to sponsor the free testing.

"We urge all Tennesseans who are sexually active to take responsibility for their health and the health of their partners by making HIV testing a standard part of their health care routine," said TDH Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner. "Knowing your HIV status is crucial to slowing the epidemic of HIV and AIDS in our state, our nation and the world."

Locally, the sites for free testing include 3605 Brainerd Road and 110 North Market St.

"It is estimated that more than one million Americans are living with HIV infection, but almost one in six of these people don't know they have the virus," said TDH HIV/STD Section Director Dr. Shanell L. McGoy.

Testing is also free year-round at Tennessee's local health departments. A list of local county health departments is available at http://health.state.tn.us/localdepartments.htm.

Information on other sites that offer HIV testing can be found online at www.HIVtest.org.

Questions about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases can also be answered by calling the TennesseeHIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-525-2437.