Free HIV testing in Boulder County throughout June

“There are 81 individuals who are HIV positive who do not know they are infected in Boulder County.”

Jamie Feld and Kristen Daly with Boulder County Public Health say that this year’s HIV testing campaign motto is “Are you positive you’re negative?” One out of every six people living with HIV in the United States doesn’t know their status. More than half of young gay and bisexual men with HIV don’t know. Anyone who has ever had sex in their lifetime could be infected with HIV.

HIV has been decreasing overall in Boulder County with 1.6 people per 100,000 as of 2014, but Feld warns that there has been a six-fold increase in other sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia, particularly amongst young people “the minute HIV gets infected into the population we know that since people are not practicing safe sex, for instance not using condoms, then they could be at risk for HIV. We are definitely seeing people having risky sex and not thinking about the repercussions.”

National HIV testing day is June 27th, this year, Boulder County and Boulder County AIDS Project is offering free HIV testing for the entire month of June at three locations in Downtown Boulder, North Boulder and Longmont. Testing is fast, easy and anonymous with rapid results – in 20 minutes. Counselors will be on hand at all locations and, everyone who comes for testing at Boulder County Public Health will receive a free goodie bag with Sir Richard’s condoms.

To make an appointment for a free HIV test in Boulder County during the entire month of June go to BouldercountyHIV.org. Walk in appointments are accepted but appointments are encouraged.

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