A push to test more people for HIV is set for this weekend in Indianapols.
The number of people getting tested for HIV dropped during the pandemic. A local hub for testing, the Damien Center, reports 40% fewer individuals were tested in 2020 compared to 2019.
The Marion County Public Health Department will host free HIV testing Saturday through the Ryan White HIV Services Program and Substance Use Outreach Services. Damien Center and other partners will help in the testing.
The health department event will be held Saturday, Saturday, June 26 from Noon until 3 p.m. at 1650 N. College Ave., the location of the health department’s Ryan White HIV Services Program. HIV self-tests will also be available.
In 2019, Marion County was identified as a target area to reduce HIV infections and received federal funding to reach more people.
Damien Center is also offering expanded testing hours on Saturday at two locations to encourage people to get tested.
