National HIV Testing Day to raise awareness of Choice Health Network’s year-round services
KNOXVILLE, TN (June 24, 2021) – National HIV Testing Day, held annually on June 27, also will raise 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.
In recognition of this observance, Choice Health Network will provide free HIV testing at the following event:
Saturday, June 26; 8-10 p.m. Drag comedy show Free to attend Hi-Wire Brewing, 2020 Barber St.
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 1925 Ailor Ave. in Knoxville. For more information about Positively Living & Choice Health Network, visit https://choicehealthnetwork.org.
About Positively Living & Choice Health Network
Positively Living & Choice Health Network is a 501(c)(3) public health nonprofit serving East Tennessee’s most vulnerable populations: more than 5,000 individuals and families struggling to survive the challenges created by HIV, homelessness, mental illness, substance use, LGBTQ+ discrimination and disabilities. The organization has offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis and Upper Cumberland. For more information, visit https://choicehealthnetwork.org.