Though new cases of HIV and AIDS have declined over the last 10 years, there is one age group that has continued to have its numbers rise over the last five years: 20 to 24-year-olds.
Harmony Health and the Step Up Get Tested campaign have teamed together in hopes of helping to lower that number by offering free HIV testing across the city of Chicago. The SUGT campaign, developed by the Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative, will now include both HIV and hepatitis C testing and linkage to care services as part of the campaign’s initiatives throughout the month in areas across Chicagoland as a result of this partnership.
“Harmony is very excited to partner with Step Up Get Tested. and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago in June to heighten awareness around National HIV/AIDS Testing Day,” said Dr. Robert Hilliard Jr., president of Harmony Health Plan of Illinois. “The campaign will encourage everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 to get tested for HIV as part of their routine health care. Additionally, it will promote holistic health and wellness by providing and encouraging testing for hypertension, hepatitis and diabetes. This partnership works to meet people where they live to positively affect their quality of life, and provide sustainable support and services for communities.”
Check out some upcoming HIV testing dates and times below:
June 26 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Free HIV testing near CTA “L” stations
June 27 – 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – The Rink 1122 E. 87th St.
June 28 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Pride Festival (Montrose Avenue)
For more information about the Harmony and SUGT 16 community testing events across the Chicagoland area, please visit www.stepupgettested.com.
