Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) to host community awareness and testing events in honor of WORLD AIDS DAY.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Rock the Ribbon.” The commemoration of World AIDS Day, which takes place on December 1 of each year, is an opportunity to recognize the essential role that communities have played and continue to play in the HV/AIDS response at the international, national, and local levels. World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS, increase the dissemination of information and encourage testing services globally.

Throughout the month of December, JCPH will be offering a $10 Hy-Vee gift card to each individual who receives an HIV test through our Integrated Testing Services program. JCPH offers walk-in testing services during our hours of operation at the Health and Human Services Building located at 855 South Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA.

“HIV testing is essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all People Living with HIV (PLWH) can lead healthy lives. At Johnson County Public Health, we encourage everyone to get tested,” says Kathryn Edel, Health Educator. “Unfortunately, many barriers to HIV testing remain. Stigma and discrimination continue to deter people from receiving HIV testing. Talking about HIV and working to normalize the testing process is the first step towards dismantling stigma.”

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 13.3% of PLWH do not know they have HIV. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 124 new HIV diagnoses in 2021, increasing by 25% over 2020. Johnson County Public Health encourages all community members to prioritize receiving an HIV test throughout the month of December.

For more information on HIV/AIDS: https://idph.iowa.gov/hivstdhep/hiv/data.