The nonprofit Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest offers free HIV testing at its Port Angeles and Sequim health centers through Friday, Dec. 14. The Sequim Health Center is at 675 N. Fifth Ave., Suite 2B; The Port Angeles Health Center is at 426 E. Eighth St. To make an appointment, call 1-800-230 PLAN (7526). Walk-ins also are welcome. Visit www.ppgnw.org for more information.

 

There are approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and every 10 minutes someone is diagnosed with HIV. Women and young people remain particularly vulnerable.

 

Earlier this month, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that all Americans ages 15-65 receive routine HIV testing, not just those most at risk. The successful integration of HIV screening and reproductive health care increases access to care and improves health outcomes.

 

“With the vast majority of our clients being in their 20s, Planned Parenthood is often the first stop in keeping young people well-informed and healthy,” said Chris Charbonneau, CEO of PPGNW.

 

“At Planned Parenthood, we are working to create the healthiest generation ever.”