The Spokane Regional Health District is reminding anyone who believes they may be at risk for HIV infection to call for information on receiving anonymous and confidential testing and related services. The Health District offers 20-minute, oral HIV testing as well as blood testing for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

"It is estimated that 40% of people with HIV infection are not diagnosed until they have developed AIDS, and did not know that they carried the HIV virus," explains Dr. Joel McCullough, Health Officer for the Spokane Regional Health District. "It is important for people to know if they have the HIV virus for many reasons, including the actions they should be taking to avoid exposing their partners to the virus."

Studies have shown that people who learn that they are HIV positive and begin treatment early can significantly slow the progression of HIV, as well as take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others. The most common routes for HIV infection are unprotected sex or sharing needles and syringes with a person who has HIV. It has been estimated that between 750 and 1,250 persons are living with HIV in the Spokane area.

For more information or to schedule and appointment for testing, contact The Spokane Regional Health District HIV/AIDS program 324-1542.

Do you need to be tested for HIV?

Testing is available through our HIV Program:

• Anonymous & confidential
• Oral test (no blood draw)
• Test results in 20 minutes
• Free to those who qualify

For more information, please call 324-3602 or 324-1544

Walk-in tests are also available at our office on 1101 West College Avenue # 372.

We are not affiliated with law enforcement. You do not need to give your name to get a test or to get your test result.