The Will County Health Department (WCHD) is offering free rapid HIV testing and a support group for people living with HIV as part of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 2024.
WCHD’s HIV/STI Care Clinic team will be offering rapid confidential HIV testing from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the mobile unit outside the health department’s main office in Joliet (501 Ella Ave.). The tests are free of charge and no appointment is necessary. Results are available in just 15 minutes.
“According to the CDC, one in eight people with HIV don’t know they have it,” said Gloria Flores, Outreach Specialist II at the WCHD. “Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV or not; so, we welcome anyone to come out and get tested for free.”
The Care Clinic team also announced the return of Positive Vibes Only, a support group for people living with HIV. The group’s first meeting will be in the Community Room of the WCHD’s main office in Joliet (501 Ella Ave.) from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on June 27 as part of National HIV Testing Day. The support group will offer attendees the chance to meet Care Clinic staff and our new infectious disease doctor, Dr. Dan Garganera, learn about resources available and enjoy free food and refreshments. Anyone wishing to attend the group should RSVP to Michael Ward by calling or texting 815-325-8004 or by emailing mward@willcountyhealth.org.
“We’re excited to announce our Positive Vibes Only support group,” said Ward, Community Health Educator II at the WCHD. “We encourage those living with HIV to join us for conversation and a meal with like-minded people and learn about the resources we have available to you.”
The WCHD HIV/STI Care Clinic offers HIV/STI counseling and testing, prevention and treatment, safe sex education and tools such as condoms, HIV/STI education and access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and access to HIV care, treatment, and case management. For more information, please call 815-727-8830 or visithttps://willcountyhealth.org/hiv-sti-and-prep-clinic/. Those looking for HIV/STI services can submit a services request form at https://willcountyhealth.org/hiv-sti-form/