Ver opción en Español en la parte superior de esta página
North GA — In honor of World AIDS Day, The Living Bridge Center (our Ryan White program) is proud to offer Free Rapid HIV Testing in North Georgia on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 9 AM to
1 PM. Join us at one of three convenient locations:
- Whitfield County Health Department
- Address: 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720
- Phone: (706) 281-2360
- The Living Bridge Center South
- Address: 130 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 102, Canton, GA 30114
- Phone: (470) 863-5700
- The Living Bridge Center East
- Address: 1498 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, SE, #C, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Phone: (770) 744-4806
Appointments are not needed, and walk-ins are welcome! Anyone who gets tested will receive a free T-Shirt and Goodie Bag as a thank-you.
This important event is part of a global initiative to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, which began with the first World AIDS Day (WAD) in 1988. This year’s WAD theme in North Georgia, “A Stronger Community,” highlights the importance of HIV testing in building a healthier, more informed society and it encourages community collaboration in preventing the spread of HIV.
Why Testing Matters:
Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know your status. By knowing your HIV status, you gain powerful information that can help keep both you and your partner healthy. If your test is positive, effective treatments are available that can help you live a long and fulfilling life while protecting others. If your test is negative, knowing allows you to take proactive steps to prevent HIV.
Testing strengthens our community in several ways:
- Awareness: Regular HIV testing helps reduce stigma and encourages open conversations about sexual health.
- Collaboration: Testing is made possible through partnerships with local health departments and community advocates, uniting efforts to combat the spread of HIV.
- Healthier Lives: By knowing their status, individuals can seek treatment or prevention strategies, leading to improved public health outcomes.
- Support Systems: Engaging in testing fosters a network of support, encouraging individuals to seek further resources and assistance.
Who Should Get Tested?
Everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Certain individuals may need more frequent testing, including:
- Men who have sex with men
- Individuals who have had sex with someone living with HIV
- Those with multiple sexual partners
- Individuals who have shared needles or syringes
- Anyone with a history of sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, or tuberculosis
For more information about HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, visit The Living Bridge Center section of the North Georgia Health District website at https://nghd.org/tlbc-home.
Take action for your health and the health of the community. Join us December 3rd. Get HIV tested. Know your status. Help create a stronger community in North Georgia!