The Guilford County Division of Public Health’s Health Action Group and Clinical Services Section is offering no-cost mpox vaccinations and HIV/STI testing at the Greensboro Pride Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22.
The health division’s mobile unit will be there at the corner of South Elm-Eugene Street and Smothers Place in Greensboro from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Some of the free services included will be confidential mpox vaccinations and HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B and C testing.
According to a Friday, Sept. 20 press release from the county, “This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to promote sexual health awareness and access to essential services within the LGBTQ+ community. The Sexual Health Action Group plays a vital role in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals by advocating for inclusive health resources and creating safe spaces for testing and education.”
Jordan Wilson, the community health educator for the county’s health division, said it’s important that everyone have access to testing.
“We are proud to participate in Greensboro Pride and provide essential health services to the community,” Wilson said. “Testing is a crucial step in maintaining health and well-being, and we want to ensure that everyone has access to these important resources. Our support for the LGBTQ+ community is unwavering. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to care and fostering trust and open conversations about sexual health.”
No one is required to provide identification or payment in order to get tested.
The announcement of the free test states, “All testing is completely confidential and results will be provided in a safe and private manner. Public health professionals will be onsite to answer questions and provide sexual health education.”
The Sexual Health Action Group is a Guilford County Division of Public Health program that offers services meant to promote safer sexual practices and prevent sexually transmitted diseases from spreading. Services include “non-traditional” STD testing, condom distribution to local businesses and clinics, sexual health education classes and more.
For more information, you can visit https://bit.ly/3lofiiB.
