Tuesday, June 24, 2014

National HIV Testing Day



FAMILY PLANNING TO MARK NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY WITH FREE CONFIDENTIAL RAPID HIV TESTING AND FREE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION ON JUNE 27th
Are you positive you’re negative? Family Planning of South Central New York, Inc. will mark National HIV Testing Day by offering free confidential rapid HIV testing and counseling on Friday, June 27th from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. at these health centers:
·        117 Hawley Street, Binghamton
·        5 Cortland Street, Norwich
·        37 Dietz Street, Oneonta

The rapid HIV test is a painless finger prick for a drop of blood. Results are ready in 20 minutes. Patients will receive counseling on how to identify and reduce their risk of HIV infection.
People are also welcome to pick up a free dose of Emergency Contraception, also known as the “morning after pill.”
Debra Marcus, Chief Executive Officer at Family Planning, remarked as many as one in three people with HIV don't know they are infected. “Learning your HIV status is critical to protecting your own health as well as that of others. When people know they’re infected, they can get health care and medications to keep themselves healthy for years. In addition, they can prevent further spread of the disease,” Marcus said.

Family Planning of South Central New York provides high quality, affordable family planning, related health care and education in Binghamton, Oneonta, Norwich, Sidney and Walton. All medical care is overseen by a Board Certified Gynecologist. Medical services may be free or on a sliding fee scale. Insurance and Medicaid are welcome. For more information, go to www.fpscny.org or call 607-723-8306.