Free HIV test

Free HIV testing will be held at the Mountain Home office of El-Ada on March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon.

No appointments are required and results of the test, which use an oral mucosal sample (gum line swab) rather than a blood test, will be available within 20 minutes.

The testing will be directed by El-Ada HIV Prevention Specialist Katy Kujawski, who noted that under Idaho law any person age 14 or older can be tested without parental consent.

Kujawski noted that in Health Region IV, which comprises Boise, Ada and Elmore Counties, there are 242 people who have been diagnosed with HIV, and another 189 in which the disease has progressed to AIDS.

In addition to the testing, Kujawski will be encouraging safe sexual practices, will provide information on HIV, and will offer free condoms if requested.

For more information about the clinic call her at 345-2820.