The Coastal Health District is hosting three free HIV testing events in Savannah, including a November clinic to tie in with the Thanksgiving season.

These HIV testing events are in honor of World AIDS Day, which is globally commemorated on December 1 every year. The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, in the midst of great loss and devastation from the virus.

The theme this year is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” The goal of World AIDS Day is to increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people’s lives, to end stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive individuals, to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV, and to remember those lost from the condition.

Although the Coastal Health District is promoting these upcoming HIV clinic events, testing is available year-round at any health department in southeast Georgia, including Bryan County.

In honor of Thanksgiving, those who get tested on Nov. 16 at the Chatham County Health Department location will receive a free turkey while supplies last.

CLINIC DATES & TIMES:

 Thursday, November 16 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah.

Friday, December 1 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Chatham CARE Center located at 107B Fahm St. in Savannah.

Friday, December 1 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the World AIDS Day Health Fair with Union Mission, Inc. at Forsyth Park in Savannah.

All testing is free and confidential. Individuals must be at least 16 years of age to be tested. Results are available in about a minute.

To learn more about the Coastal Health District’s HIV Services, visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv.