Desert AIDS Project received an overwhelming response when it marked National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27 with $20 gas cards for people taking a free and confidential HIV test.
In recognition of the 100 people already tested on National HIV Testing Day, D.A.P. will once again offer a free $20 gas card to the first 50 people who make an appointment for an HIV test. This incentive will apply only to tests taken on Monday, August 11 and Thursday, August 14 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All tests must be taken at D.A.P.’s main location at 1695 N. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. To receive the gas card, those being tested must wait for their results.
“Many of the 100 people who tested at D.A.P. locations on National HIV Testing Day self-identified as ‘high risk’ based on their potential exposure to HIV,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “We’re elated that people who normally would not have been tested before found a reason to do it. We, literally, had people lined up at the door waiting to get in for an HIV test.”
HIV testing and prevention is a core component of D.A.P.’s mission in serving the community. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are between 180,000 and 280,000 people in the U.S. who are HIV-positive but don’t know it. We feel it’s critical to help remove any stigma surrounding people’s perception of HIV and encourage anyone who may be at-risk to be tested and learn their HIV status,” said Brinkman. “National HIV Testing Day offered us a great opportunity to help a lot of people to do that. Just as important, we connected people to community referrals for homeless shelters, substance abuse, STD treatment, and other vital community services.”
D.A.P. offers free and confidential HIV testing six days a week, throughout the year, at a variety of locations in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio. Free and confidential Syphilis testing is also offered at D.A.P.’s main office in Palm Springs. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.
Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves.
