Persons at high risk for HIV/AIDS should get tested, know their status

DUPAGE COUNTY—The DuPage County Health Department encourages individuals who are at a high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS to get tested and seek subsequent care and treatment if necessary.

Every year, in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Health Department urges early diagnosis and HIV testing. The Federal Centers for Disease Control estimates that 250,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are unaware of their status.

Through grants made available from the Illinois Public Health Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Health Department offers free testing to those persons most at risk for HIV/AIDS, including intravenous drug users, high-risk heterosexuals and homosexual men.

Individuals who do not meet the criteria to receive free testing can still be tested for a $50 fee at the Health Department's STD Clinic, which also offers testing for other sexually transmitted diseases.

With early diagnosis, individuals will know their HIV status and can be referred to appropriate treatment and care.

For information about HIV testing in DuPage County, please call the Health Department at (630) 682-7400.

For more information on the DuPage County Health Department, follow us on Twitter @DuPageHD or become a fan on Facebook.

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