HIV Testing Atlanta took center stage on Thursday, June 26, as Streetz 94.5 and rolling out magazine joined forces with the Empowerment Resource Center for the 13th Annual “Take Charge, Get Tested” event. Held at 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd., the event, part of National HIV Testing Awareness Day, empowered the audience to promote health and hope in the heart of Atlanta’s west side.
This year’s theme was clear: normalize testing, reduce stigma, and meet people where they are. With free HIV testing, health screenings, food, music, and good vibes, the community showed up in force, not just to get tested, but to get informed and inspired. Their presence and participation were crucial to the event’s success.
Georgia continues to rank among the top five states in the nation for new HIV diagnoses, with the Atlanta metro area consistently showing high prevalence rates. According to the CDC, in 2023, Georgia reported more than 2,300 new HIV cases. Many of those affected fall within the 20- to 39-year-old age range, making events like this essential for early detection and community awareness.
Streetz 94.5 brought the energy to match the mission. From the moment the mic turned on, radio personalities like ET and J Smoke made sure attendees felt welcomed, informed, and hyped. They hosted trivia games, dropped health facts between songs, and even encouraged on-the-spot testing through giveaways and shoutouts.
The Empowerment Resource Center, based in Atlanta, has long been committed to offering free, confidential HIV and STI testing, with a mission rooted in equity and access. Mobile testing units were outside the building. Within minutes, attendees could receive testing, speak with healthcare professionals, and access follow-up support if needed.
“It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about our people, our neighborhoods, and our future,” said one volunteer from ERC. “Every person who gets tested today walks away empowered. That’s the goal.”
And it wasn’t just health resources on hand. The event featured dozens of local vendors and healthcare providers who offered wellness information, mental health support, and free community resources. Organizations like AID Atlanta, the Fulton County Board of Health, and Grady Health Services were on site to support the crowd and answer questions about HIV prevention and care.
Beyond the booths and testing tents, the block party atmosphere gave the day a welcoming and festive vibe. DJ sets kept the energy going all afternoon, spinning everything from throwback hits to current chart-toppers. Free food trucks lined the block, serving up soul food, smoothies, and vegan-friendly bites. Streetz 94.5 hosted on-air giveaways with prize packs, merch, and exclusive concert tickets.
One of the standout moments occurred when a first-time attendee shared their story live on air after undergoing testing. “I’ve been nervous about getting tested for years, but today it felt easy, and I felt supported. It’s about time we talk about this stuff more openly,” they said.
The message of the day was powerful yet simple: knowing your status is a form of self-care. The more we discuss it, the more we break down the walls that keep people from protecting themselves and one another.
With the youth in mind, organizers tailored the event to be not just about them, but for them. From music and social media shoutouts to on-the-ground influencers and college student volunteers, the day felt relevant, approachable, and necessary. It was a platform for the youth to engage in genuine discussions and find practical solutions, without feeling lectured to or judged.
In a world where misinformation still surrounds HIV, this kind of activation proves that awareness can be engaging, affirming, and community-driven. Whether it was someone getting tested for the first time or someone returning for a check-up, each person took a step toward better health. The impact of this event on the community, from reducing stigma to promoting health, is worth celebrating and serves as a powerful example for future initiatives.
Take Charge, Get Tested continues to grow year after year. Thanks to strong partnerships and media platforms like Streetz 94.5 and rolling out, the impact is louder than ever. This is what community care looks like: showing up, speaking up, and lifting each other.
