Free HIV Testing, Information Offered

Thinking you do not have AIDS is not enough. You have to know it.

That is the philosophy of the staff at the Valley HIV/AIDS Center, and on Monday, they will practice what they preach by offering free HIV testing from noon to 6 p.m. at their Van Nuys location.

The testing is just part of the center’s overall observation of World AIDS Day, which is marked every Dec. 1.

Other activities include constructing an AIDS memorial quilt to help remember those with the disease who have died, as well as a movie-thon, face-painting and information tables set up by local HIV/AIDS organizations, medical providers and pharmacies.

Doctors will also be on hand to explain how to avoid contracting the disease, how to help loved ones who are HIV positive and how to live with AIDS.

Those afraid of needles will be glad to hear the free testing includes saliva tests, where physicians simply take a specimen with a cotton swab and then analyze it.

Since 1992, the Valley center has provided such social services as case management, counseling, support groups and treatment advocacy.

Part of the San Fernando Valley HIV Consortium, the center is composed of several HIV/AIDS social service agencies, including Bienstar Latino AIDS Project, the Tarzana Treatment Center and the Valley Community Clinic.

The center is at 6850 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 110.

For more information, contact the center at (818) 908-3820.