By Adreanna

I’m HIV negative. How about you?

When was the last time you were tested for HIV and AIDS? Was it this year? I shouldn’t need to, or have to, go into a full dissertation about the importance of getting tested regularly. After all, things aren’t nearly like they were in the 80’s when information about this infection was scarce. In 2019 the signs are everywhere. Radio announcements, TV commercials, billboards, flyers, and cautionary tales are everywhere you look so what’s up? Have you gotten tested yet?

If not, I’ve taken the liberty of listing a few resources below for where you can go to get tested as well as counseling centers should you need them.

• Legacy Community Health – 1415 California St, Houston, TX 77006
• Quest Diagnostics – 1200 Binz St, Ste 115 Houston, TX 77004
• Covenant House Texas – 1111 Lovett Blvd Houston, TX 77006 (must be between 18 – 21 and homeless)
• Montrose center – 401 Branard St 2nd Fl Houston, TX 77006
• Labcorp – 2255 East Mossy Oaks #330 Spring, TX 77389
• Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast Incorporated – 4747 Louetta Rd Spring, TX 77388

• Harris Health System (formerly Harris County Hospital District)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
• Houston HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Directory
• Houston Prevention Planning Group (CPG)

There are approximately 1.1 million people in the U.S. with HIV today and only 1 out of every 7 people even know they have the infection. These rates are higher in African American communities and it doesn’t have to be this way.

A positive diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence unless you choose to not doing anything about it. That starts with knowing your status.