MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department’s Sexual Health Program is offering free walk-in HIV testing Wednesday for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
People can visit for testing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 814 Jefferson Avenue in Room 102 on Feb. 7.
The health department said African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States, particularly in the Memphis area, where they accounted for nearly 85% of newly diagnosed HIV cases in 2021, despite the fact that about 47% of the region’s population is Black.
The health department also said the Memphis region has the second highest rank in new HIV infection rates in the country.
“Testing and early viral suppression treatment is the key to reducing HIV infections,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, Shelby County Health Department Director-Health Officer, in the department’s news release. “Testing is always available at no cost at SCHD’s Sexual Health Clinic at 814 Jefferson Avenue. We use health observances like National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to bring attention to this service that is always free and available to everyone in our community.”
More information about the Shelby County Health Department’s Sexual Health Program is available on their website.
