National HIV Testing Day

Health Department Encourages Residents to Know Their HIV Status
- June 27 is National HIV Testing Day -

June 24, 2005

In conjunction with National HIV Testing Day on Monday, June 27, the Fairfax County Health Department reminds everyone that free, confidential HIV blood testing is available at its five district office clinics year-round. HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS.

"HIV remains a silent war that continues to rage through our society. The best way to help prevent the spread of this virus is to know your HIV status and avoid behaviors that put you and others at risk," said Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., health director.

Confidential blood testing is offered on a walk-in basis at the Health Department's five district office clinics (listed below). Anonymous blood testing, in which a number identifier is used in place of a name, is also available at the Joseph Willard Health Center in Fairfax City. Clients are asked to return in two weeks for test results. If results are positive, they receive additional counseling and are referred to appropriate health care providers. Those with negative results receive education about behaviors that put individuals, and the community, at risk. Results of both confidential and anonymous testing are never given by phone.

Testing Hours and Clinic Sites
Mondays and Wednesdays 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Tuesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Fridays 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Herndon-Reston District Office
1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190

Falls Church District Office
6245 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500
Falls Church, VA 22044

Mt. Vernon District Office
8350 Richmond Hwy.,
Suite 233
Alexandria, VA 22309

Springfield District Office
Cary Building, First Floor
8136 Old Keene Mill Road
Springfield, VA 22152

Joseph Willard Health Center
3750 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030
Also at Joseph Willard: Anonymous testing Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Approximately 22,000 people in Virginia are living with HIV, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The rate of infection increases each year and the disease is taking a devastating and disproportionate toll on people of color, especially women. Of the 797 new HIV cases reported to VDH in 2003, 63 percent were African-American, 25 percent were white and the remaining were of other races. Nearly one-third were female. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 persons in the United States were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2003, with 24-27 percent undiagnosed and unaware of their HIV infection.

For more information, call 703-246-2411, TTY 703-591-6435.