For Immediate Release
June 11, 2007                                                              

WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY JUNE 27

WASHINGTON - Whitman-Walker Clinic will mark the 13th annual National HIV Testing Day June 27 with free HIV testing in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland.

“National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity to remind the Washington, DC, area community that HIV/AIDS is still a threat and that everyone is at risk,” said Donald Blanchon, chief executive officer of Whitman-Walker Clinic. “There are thousands of people in our area who are living with HIV/AIDS and up to one-third of them do not know it. It is vital to your health and to the health of your loved ones that you get tested, know your HIV status and take steps to protect yourself.”

Whitman-Walker Clinic’s mobile testing units will be in three locations on June 27:

“Our mobile units take HIV testing directly to communities at high risk,” said Blanchon. “People who want to get tested can do so at a location and time that is more convenient for them. They will receive the same treatment as anyone who walks into one of our facilities for HIV testing: pre- and post-test counseling, resources to prevent HIV infection, and access to services at Whitman-Walker Clinic if needed.”

“Pre- and post-test counseling includes education about how to prevent infection with HIV,” said Blanchon. “That is a prime opportunity, regardless of the outcome of the test, to reach people who may be at high risk for HIV infection with the information and the tools they need to stop the spread of HIV. We hope that they will use that information to not only protect themselves but to educate their family and friends on how to prevent infection.”

Whitman-Walker Clinic uses a rapid oral test, which delivers results in 20 minutes.

Whitman-Walker will also offer HIV testing as follows: 

Established in 1973, Whitman-Walker Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health care and social services in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Through sites in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention and testing; legal services; case management; and a food bank. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to meeting the life needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

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