LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Horizon Behavioral Health is recognizing World AIDS Day by reminding the community of its free and confidential HIV/HEP-C testing.
Horizon said HIV is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Though around 31,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in the United States in 2020, as many as one in eight people living with HIV don't know they have it (CDC, 2020).
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World AIDS Day, celebrated each year on December 1, brings together people and organizations from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care around the world.
In support of this goal, Horizon Behavioral Health and the Coalition for HIV Awareness and Prevention (CHAP) are reminding the community to take advantage of free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing that is available to all residents in the Central Virginia region.
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Individuals can receive free, confidential testing by visiting Horizon’s Wellness Center at Langhorne located at 2215 Langhorne Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24501 (no appointment necessary). For more information, call 434-382-8649.
“Getting tested for HIV is the best way to protect your health and the health of the people you care about. People find out that they are HIV positive at all ages, so it is important to know if you are at risk and test often.” Says Rhonda Turner, Program Manager at Horizon Behavioral Health. “Because symptoms of HIV/AIDS can take years to develop, it's essential to get tested even if you feel fine.”
Horizon said it is proud to offer HIV testing to all central Virginia residents, regardless of age, income, or insurance status. More information can be found HERE.