HARTFORD — The Van Buren/Cass County District Health Department will host free HIV testing as part of National HIV Testing Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 at the Dowagiac and Hartford offices.

No appointment is needed; interested individuals can stop by either office to participate in the 20-minute, needle-free test any time between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Testing is completely confidential and individuals may choose to remain anonymous.

In 2015, an estimated 725 adults and adolescents were diagnosed with HIV in Michigan. Michigan ranked 14th among the 50 states in the number of HIV diagnoses in 2015 (CDC Michigan State Health Profile). In Cass and Van Buren Counties, 83 cases of HIV were recorded in 2016, a 9 percent increase from the number of cases recorded in 2013.

The CDC currently recommends that all adults in the U.S. get tested for HIV infection at least once, regardless of risk factors for HIV infection, and with repeat HIV tests if there is an ongoing risk of HIV infection. Finding out one’s HIV test results lets an individual know if they need to receive treatment and can stop the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

To learn more about National HIV Testing Day, visit vbcassdhd.org or “like” the organization on Facebook at facebook.com/VBCDHD. To learn more about HIV visit hiv.gov.