WARWICK – The only way to know for sure if you have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is to get tested, and there will be an opportunity to get that done for free during National HIV Testing Day on Wednesday at three Thundermist Health Center locations.
The no-cost, confidential testing will be available at the health center’s QuickCare clinics at 1 River St., Wakefield, in South Kingstown; 450 Clinton St., Woonsocket; and 186 Providence St., West Warwick, between 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. that day.
About one in seven people in the United States who have HIV don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy.
“Early detection of HIV is important to ensuring the best health outcomes and limiting transmission of the virus,” said Dr. Michael Poshkus, medical director of Thundermist Health Center of West Warwick and an infectious disease specialist. “We invite all Rhode Islanders to take advantage of this opportunity for free testing. It only takes a few minutes, and could have tremendous benefits for you and your partner.”
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is a sponsor of the event.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
