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Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center and its partners are hosting free community events to educate about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, encourage routine screening, and preventative care and treatment.
“These events help us raise awareness and educate our community,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Christopher Hoff. “Each day, Health Department staff are working hard to break the stigma associated with STIs and encouraging people to get tested regularly.”
The following events will take place in May and June:
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National Hepatitis Testing Day – Monday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lake County Administration Building, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, in the foyer area.
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HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day – Wednesday, June 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Lake County Health Department, 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, in the Third Floor Board Room.
"Routine testing helps track and control the spread of sexually transmitted infections before they lead to serious complications in our residents and within our community," said Valerie Johansen, the Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) / Need2Know Lake County Program Coordinator. "Events like these provide us an opportunity to connect with folks, educate residents and reduce stigma around knowing your status so residents remain informed about the resources available to them to continue to live healthy lives."
National Hepatitis Testing Day (May 18)
More than half of people with chronic hepatitis do not know they have it. The Health Department aims to increase testing rates for Hepatitis C among adults, aligning with the national goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Additionally, for at-risk adults, they should protect their liver health by having a Hepatitis B vaccination.
This day is honored nationally on May 19. At the administration building, interactive quizzes, personalized risk assessments and appointments will be offered at the event on May 18.
The National Hepatitis Testing Day event is in partnership with the Health Department's programs including: STI Program/Need2Know Lake County, A Way Out, Crisis Care Program, and Substance Abuse Program. It's also in partnership with Gilead, AbbVie, Rosalind Franklin University, and United Way of Lake County.
No RSVP is needed to sign up for this event.
HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (June 5)
Each year on June 5, HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day is celebrated. It is a time to support and recognize people who have lived with HIV for decades. While this day is honored on June 5, Lake County's event is on June 3. Living with HIV can present several long-term challenges including aging-related health issues. At Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day, the Health Department and its partners aim to highlight the resiliency of long-term survivors and provide information on available mental health resources.
This event is in partnership with Lake County Health Department programs including: STI Program/Need2Know Lake County, A Way Out, Crisis Care Program, and Substance Abuse Program. It's also in partnership with Gilead, AbbVie, Rosalind Franklin University, United Way of Lake County, and Waukegan Friends.
Call (847) 377-8450 to RSVP by June 1 for this event.
About Need2Know Lake County
The Need2Know Lake County program works to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in Lake County. The program offers confidential screening for hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. It also offers treatment services, vaccines, counseling, educational-based support groups, and many other services.
For additional information or to make an appointment, call (847) 377-8450 or click here.
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