HIV Testing Sites in Chicago, Illinois

HIV testing sites in Chicago are free, safe and confidential places for people in the Chicago area, or the surrounding suburbs, to get tested. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, kills white blood cells and thus harms the immune system. When this happens, infections can occur. When the infections manifest, a person has Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS.

HIV, discovered in 1981 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has infected over 20 million people globally. Over 1 million of these people are Americans. Anyone can get infected with HIV if bodily fluids, such as blood and semen, are exchanged. The disease can not only infect a homosexual, but it can also infect a heterosexual. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, 22.4 million people are HIV infected.

Although there is no cure for HIV, early diagnosis is critical for an individual to manage their health and prevent AIDS. When a person knows they have been infected with HIV,they're able to take advantage of treatments that are available to prevent the onset of infections or slow the progression of infections associated with AIDS. Not only can a person take care of their own health, but they can also work to prevent the spread of HIV to others. It is very possible to be infected with HIV and not know it. HIV testing sites in Chicago are important places to take the first step in HIV treatment, education and prevention.

Center on Halsted HIV testing site in Chicago

Center on Halsted is one of the primary community resources for Chicago's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals. Free, confidential, HIV testing is provided by trained professionals using the Clearview COMPLETE HIV 1/2 rapid testing device. In addition to the testing, there's counseling and emotional support, information on HIV and AIDS and state-wide referrals. Services are also offered in Spanish.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago HIV testing sites in Chicago

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago's mission is to fight, locally and nationally, against HIV and AIDS and to help those suffering from it. They offer free, anonymous HIV testing in Chicago and Suburban locations.

Howard Brown Health Center HIV testing sites in Chicago

One of the nation's largest GLBT health care organizations, Howard Brown Health Center offers free and confidential HIV testing, education and counseling at a variety of locations in Chicago and the suburbs. These include the Howard Brown Walk-In Clinic and Broadway Youth Center. In addition, a large variety of HIV testing is available at other locations such as Sidetrack, Spin and Brown Elephant Resale Shop.

Sources:

HIV and AIDS in Africa, Avert

HIV & AIDS, Afraid To Ask