In recognition of World AIDS Day, the City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services is offering free HIV testing on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 9 AM to 2 PM at 18 Mulberry Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Gift cards are available while supplies last for anyone receiving HIV testing. No appointment needed.
Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States (U.S.) are living with HIV, one in seven do not know they have it. HIV is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners or anonymous partners, or through the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes, or other equipment used for the injection of drugs. HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live.
If HIV is not treated, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years. From 2014 to 2018, 25% of people newly diagnosed with HIV in NH also received an AIDS diagnosis within 12 months.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme is HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Getting tested is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of you and your partner because it is the only way to know your HIV status.
NH also offers free HIV self-test kits that can be taken in the privacy of your home or private setting. To receive a kit, visit https://nhhiv.org/.
If you have any questions, call the City of Nashua DPHCS Community Health Department at 603-589-4500, option #2, or visit https://nashuanh.gov/1270/STDHIVHCV-Program.
