World AIDS Day testing available

North Texas LULAC teamed up with Dallas County Health and Human Services and other city and county organizations and officials to offer free HIV testing on World AIDS Day.
The testing is available at the Mexican Consulate, 1210 River Bend Drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
River Bend Drive is off the North Stemmons Freeway service road between Inwood Road and Mockingbird Lane.
“This event will allow us the opportunity to not only test individuals, but also to raise awareness,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “It is important for everyone to know their status, get educated about prevention and treatment and help eliminate stigma associated with the epidemic.”
In addition to free HIV testing, DCHHS will offer testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis at no cost.
“Individuals can take charge of their long-term health by first knowing their HIV status,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority. “As soon as an individual is diagnosed with HIV, they can begin managing the virus by receiving early intervention and treatment, and by living a healthy lifestyle.”