The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has launched an online scheduling link for curbside, confidential, HIV testing.
The service started a week ago, as June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Residents can request an appointment at the agency’s locations in Hillsdale, Coldwater or Three Rivers by going to the website: bhsj.org/HIV.
Medical director Karen Luparello said knowing HIV status is the first step to prevention or accessing treatment services. She added that with treatment, persons living with HIV can live a long and healthy life. Under proper care, patients can reach an undetectable viral load in six months or less.
In addition to testing offered through the health agency and primary care provider offices, in-home test kits are available at local pharmacies.