Most local health departments throughout the state are offering free testing Tuesday. If you test negative, you will receive important information to help you stay that way. Organizers are particularly trying to reach African-American and Latino communities, two populations where HIV and AIDS are increasing. We need to encourage everyone at risk to know their status. But first, we need to give people hope and a reason to get tested.
Experts are concerned that many people who do get tested never return for their test results.
HIV experts estimate that more than 8,000 Americans would have learned they are HIV positive if they had returned to receive their test results. Another 700,000 people never showed up to hear that they are HIV negative. Our Common Welfare and Mercy Mobile Health Care teamed up to offer free HIV testing during World's AIDS Day. The health department will offer pre-test counseling, health education, and free condoms. According to the Fulton County Health Department, almost half of all cases of AIDS reported in Georgia since 1981 have been in Fulton County.