Health officials encourage public to know their status

In advance of National HIV Testing Day, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is offering free, confidential HIV testing at two Knoxville locations on Saturday, June 25. Testing will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King Ave., and from 4 to 8 p.m. at the KUUMBA Festival in Morningside Park, 1600 Dandridge Ave. The tests are conducted with a simple oral swab and provide results in 20 minutes. Counseling and referrals are available for all participants.

“Nearly one in eight of those infected with HIV do not realize they have the disease, which means they may unknowingly jeopardize their health and the health of their loved ones,” said KCHD Director Dr. Martha Buchanan. “Knowing your HIV status is a critical first step in getting life-saving treatment and learning how to protect those closest to you.”

The theme of National HIV Testing Day is “Doing It,” a phrase designed to motivate people to get tested for HIV and know their status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Although there is no cure for HIV, getting medical care and taking medicines regularly helps those infected live a longer, healthier life and also lowers the chances of passing HIV to others.

HIV testing is typically covered as a preventive service with no co-pay by most insurance plans. Confidential HIV testing is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all three KCHD locations:

Main Clinic and Offices                        Teague Clinic                                      West Clinic

140 Dameron Ave., 37917                   405 Dante Rd., 37918                      1028 Old Cedar Bluff Rd., 37923

865-215-5370                                           865-215-5500                                     865-215-5950