FoundCare, Inc., a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, is offering free HIV and hepatitis C testing at multiple locations throughout Palm Beach County. Trained staff members will be conducting the free tests from June 23 to the 29 to coincide with National HIV Testing Day, which is observed annually on June 27.
The Centers for Disease Control started National HIV Testing Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis. Testing ensures people know their status and can get linked to appropriate resources, including those offered by FoundCare, such as medical appointments and prescriptions, behavioral health services, and case management.
During the week of June 23, FoundCare’s expanded testing sites across the county will offer free and confidential testing to anyone aged 13 or older. Trained staff members will offer saliva tests and finger-stick blood tests, both of which show results in 20 minutes. Testing services do not require an appointment; however, appointments are available. Safer sex resources and educational brochures will also be available at the testing locations.
According to the CDC, one in seven people with HIV in the U.S. do not know they have it. “Early detection is key,” said Dr. Leslie Diaz, Infectious Disease Specialist at FoundCare. “It’s important to know your status, especially with infectious diseases in the headlines lately. We are proud to provide this service to reach as many people as possible to further our mission to fulfil unmet healthcare and social service needs of individuals and families in Palm Beach County.”
Healthcare professionals are urging a specific section of the population get tested for Hepatitis C. “Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1965 should get tested for hepatitis C as they are at a higher risk of contracting the disease,” said Dr. Stella Medina, Infectious Disease physician at FoundCare. “Early detection is key as there is not a vaccine for hepatitis C.”
“While we always offer free HIV testing at FoundCare’s offices in West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Belle Glade, we are happy to highlight this important awareness week with expanded locations, hours and the HCV test too,” continued Dr. Diaz.
Free, walk-in testing will be provided at the following locations (please note that dates and times vary):
Monday, June 24, 2019
St. Ann’s Place
2107 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, 33407
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Light House Café
400 SW Ave. B Pl., Belle Glade, 33430
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. George’s Episcopal Church
21 W 22nd St., Riviera Beach, 33404
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Palm Beach State College – Belle Glade Campus
1977 SW College Dr., Belle Glade, 33430
10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Quiet Waters Senior Center
306 SW 10th St., Belle Glade, 33430
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church of The Palm Beaches
4857 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, 33418
12 p.m. to 2pm.
Thursday, June 27, 2019 – National HIV Testing Day
FoundCare’s Boynton Beach Office
1901 S. Congress Ave., Suite 100, Boynton Beach, 33426
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FoundCare’s Belle Glade Office
1500 NW Ave. L, Suite A, Belle Glade, 33430
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FoundCare’s West Palm Beach Office
2330 S. Congress Ave., Palm Springs, 33406
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lighthouse Café
400 SW Avenue B Pl., Belle Glade, 33430
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
True Fast Outreach Ministries
638 6th St., West Palm Beach, 33401
9 a.m. To 11 a.m.
New Bethel Missionary Baptist
911 9th St., West Palm Beach, 33401
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Walgreens
101 N Main St., Belle Glade, 33430
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Walgreens
105 E Ocean Ave., Lantana, 33462
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, June 28, 2019
Urban League of Palm Beach County
2107 N Tamarind Ave., West Palm Beach, 33407
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Farmworkers Coordinating Council
1123 Crestwood Blvd., Lake Worth, 33460
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
El Bodegon
6128 S Congress Ave., Lantana, 33462
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
El Sol
106 Military Trail, Jupiter, 33458
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
FoundCare, Inc. is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that offers pediatric and adult primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, laboratory services and X-rays, and an on-site pharmacy, all in one location. FoundCare accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay on a sliding fee scale that is based on income and family size. For more information about FoundCare, please call 561-HEALTHY (561-432-5849) or visit www.foundcare.org.