Free HIV screening event offers chance to 'Take the test, take control'

JACKSON, Miss. – To mark the 17th National HIV Testing Day, two Mississippi organizations have come together to offer a free HIV screening in Jackson, themed, “Take the Test, Take Control.”

The event, scheduled 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Wednesday, will be held at Building Bridges, Inc., 2147 Henry Hill Dr., Suite 206 in Jackson.

Building Bridges, Inc., a local non-profit focused on preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Mississippi Institute for Improvement of Geographic Minority Health (MIGMH), part of the Delta Regional Institute, partnered for the event.

Organizers plan to test as many people as possible.

National HIV Testing Day gives individuals, groups, organizations and governments a chance to reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, promote education, and encourage people to get tested and know their status.

MIGMH Director Dr. Warren A. Jones said knowing one’s status is empowering whether the result is positive or negative.

“The Institute, along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, is dedicated to doing our part to increase awareness to prevent the spread of HIV and help those who may be infected with the disease,” he said.

Free educational information, materials and access to counseling will also be available. WRBJ-FM 97.7 radio personality Tambra Cherie will broadcast remote from the event.