June 24, 2008 – National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27, and the Department of Health has planned a series of activities leading up to that day to commemorate the national observance, according to a press release from Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd.
Beginning on Tuesday, June 24, the STD/HIV/TB Program will hold an open house from noon to 3 p.m., at the Knud Hansen Medical Complex on St. Thomas. One of two recently acquired outreach vans, which will enable mobile and convenient testing for residents, will be on display.
A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, June 25, at the Charles Harwood Medical Complex on St. Croix, at which time the St. Croix-based van will be on display.
Government officials and health care providers for HIV/AIDS services from both the private and public sectors are expected to be in attendance.
As part of the observance of Testing Day, Seaborne Airlines will partner with the STD/HIV/TB Program to offer convenient testing for employees and residents who choose to participate. Testing will also be available during a nighttime outreach in the St. Thomas and St. Croix districts. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, June 26
7-10 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. – Seaborne Airlines, St. Croix
6-8 p.m. – Morris F. deCastro Clinic, St. John
Friday, June 27
7-10 a.m. and 3:30-7 p.m. – Seaborne Airlines, St. Thomas
7 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Nighttime outreach in Christiansted, Charlotte Amalie and Bovoni.
Saturday, June 28
7 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Nighttime outreach in Christiansted, Frederiksted, Charlotte Amalie and Bovoni.
Commissioner Ebbesen-Fludd praised Seaborne officials, who by partnering with STD/HIV/TB Program help make testing convenient for residents and are helping DOH in its ongoing campaign to remove the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Other businesses wishing to partner with the department in this effort can contact the program at 773-1311, ext. 3060.