Choice Health Network will provide free HIV testing at the following events in recognition of National HIV Testing Day, held annually on June 27.
- Friday, June 25; 7-10 p.m. Pride Mix and Mingle. Family friendly, free to attend . Moxy Chattanooga Downtown, 1220 King St.
- Saturday, June 26; 2:30-9 p.m. Pride Day. All ages, free to attend. WanderLinger Brewing Company, 1208 King St.
Officials said, "We are also will raising awareness of Choice Health Network’s everyday services for East Tennessee’s most vulnerable individuals and families affected by HIV, mental illness, substance use, homelessness, discrimination and disabilities.
"People with HIV can live long, healthy lives when receiving quality medical care. When HIV-positive patients stay on HIV-protective medication, the virus is no longer detected in their blood, and the virus is not transmittable to others. Within four to six weeks of starting and maintaining medication, 94 percent of Choice Health Network clients attain viral suppression."
“National HIV Testing Day not only heightens awareness of the need for testing and services across our region, but also allows us to underscore the importance of what we do year-round in Tennessee,” said Steve Jenkins, CEO of Positively Living & Choice Health Network. “We provide affordable medical care for insured or uninsured patients, along with social services for people who need inclusive healthcare and who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Choice Health Network offers free HIV testing by appointment year-round. In addition to testing and operating a full-service medical clinic, Choice Health Network’s services include mental health care counseling and therapy; food and transportation aid; housing support; telehealth; a syringe service exchange; naloxone distribution; resources and referrals to recovery; and HIV prevention through Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Choice Health Network is located at 5721 Marlin Road in Chattanooga. For more information about Positively Living & Choice Health Network, visit https://choicehealthnetwork.org.