Kent County Health Department Offers Free Walk-in HIV Testing Ahead of World AIDS Day
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (November 21, 2024) — In recognition of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), and in honor of the more than 42 million people who have died of complications from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) will offer free walk-in HIV testing at its 700 Fuller Ave NE location in Grand Rapids from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
“The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested, making it a critical step in protecting your health, the health of your partner, and the well-being of our entire community,” said Christopher Bendekgey, KCHD Community Clinical Services Director.
Mosly spread through unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes, HIV attacks the body's immune system, weakening its ability to fight disease and infection. While most people experience flu-like symptoms a few weeks after HIV infection, some may show no symptoms at all, which can delay treatment and increase the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Left untreated, the virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), resulting in serious illness or even death.
“Early detection not only helps prevent the spread of HIV, but it also opens the door to life-saving treatments that can slow or even stop the progression of the disease,” said Bendekgey.
When people with HIV don’t get treatment, they typically progress through three stages. However, progression to Stage 3 (AIDS) is less common with advances in HIV treatment and prevention strategies, including:
• Using condoms the right way every time you have sex
• Never sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
• Using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
While great strides have been made since the first known cases of AIDS were reported in 1981, the disease remains a public health challenge. For more information about how to prevent and treat HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections, please visit the CDC’s website or explore available services through the KCHD here.
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