Upland, Pa. – Crozer-Keystone Health System is working in conjunction with the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) to offer free Rapid HIV testing to the community. The testing will coincide with National HIV Testing Day and will take place on Wednesday, June 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Pearl Hall on the Crozer-Chester Medical Center campus.

For the past 13 years, National HIV Testing Day has assisted in the critical fight against HIV, allowing people nationwide to gain more knowledge about their HIV status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 24 to 27 percent of Americans with HIV are not aware they carry the disease and may not develop symptoms for 10 years or more. The CDC recommends that all sexually active individuals be screened for HIV.

To perform a Rapid test, a finger stick sample of blood or a mouth swab sample is collected. Results are available 20 to30 minutes after the sample is collected. Testing is confidential and no appointment is needed. This test is open to anyone, although people who have health insurance are reminded that their primary care physician can also perform an HIV test.

For more information on how to participate, contact Dru Hammell at 610-447-2271. For more information on National HIV Testing Day, visit www.hivtest.org and www.omhrc.gov/hivaidsobservances.