HOUSTON (June 26, 2017) – The Houston Health Department Bureau of HIV/ STD Prevention (HHD) kicks off National HIV Testing Day with Walgreens and media sponsor 97.9 The Box to encourage Houstonians to get free HIV testing, get the facts about HIV, and get involved with the strategy to prevent it, June 27-29, 2017 at 5200 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056.

National HIV Testing Day was established in 1995 to encourage everyone, particularly young adults, to get tested for HIV. It was the first national testing initiative following the HIV/AIDS fallout from the 80’s. According to the CDC, Houston was ranked 12th in the nation among cities with new diagnosis. Testing will make more people aware of their status and able to plan their personal treatment and prevention strategy. Walgreens launched an extension of its healthcare clinic services in April 2017 to include screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) at several of its Houston locations. Each person who gets tested at this National HIV Testing Day event will receive a free ticket to the July 30, 2017 Dub Car Show, a national tour that showcases a broad range custom cars. The event is infused with live entertainment and features a variety of Grammy and Billboard Music Award recognized artists.

Mayor Sylvester Turner is slated to speak at the press conference, Tuesday, June 27, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at 5200 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056. He will be joined by District G Council Member Greg Travis along with other city officials; Senator Borris Miles and other State Legislators; The Houston Health Department Director Stephen Williams and Bureau Chief Marlene McNeese, along with Walgreens representatives and 97.9 The Box; State Agency leaders, and leadership from local HIV/AIDS service organizations.

The HHD strategies to reduce the number of new HIV infections include re-linking persons living with HIV to treatment with a provider and other ancillary services to ensure they remain in care, and assisting those who might be at risk for HIV to consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in their personal prevention plan. PrEP is a new HIV prevention strategy that includes taking a pill once a day that prevents HIV. The HHD recently opened two PrEP clinics, and will be able to work collaboratively with Walgreens through the broader access to clinic locations and assistance with linkage to other ancillary services including financial, transportation, housing assistance, and more.

For The HHD Health Center Locations: http://www.houstontx.gov/health/

For Walgreens Healthcare Clinic Locations: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/healthcare-clinic.jsp