Free HIV Testing Starts This Week in Putnam County
Free anonymous and confidential HIV testing began in Putnam County this week and will be ongoing. One in four of the more than one million people living with HIV in the U.S. is unaware of their infection, according to a 2008 report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These statistics highlight the importance of testing because early treatment makes a difference in an HIV positive person’s wellbeing and outcome. 
“Early diagnosis is key for individuals who have contracted HIV,” explained Allen Beals, MD, Putnam County’s Commissioner of Health.
Early treatment makes a big difference in the patient’s quality of life.
“Medications are vastly improved today and HIV positive individuals live longer and healthier lives,” Dr. Beals said, “nonetheless, prevention is still our number-one strategy. Helping to identify all HIV positive individuals is the essential first step.”
Testing will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays at two Putnam County Department of Health locations: 121 Main Street in the Village of Brewster and at the main office at One Geneva Road, near the intersection of Route 312 and Interstate 84 in Southeast. Appointments are necessary and interested residents should call 845-808-1390, ext. 43114. Tuberculosis (TB) testing is also available for at-risk individuals. STD screenings will begin in the fall.
The Health Department’s mission is to improve and protect the health of Putnam County residents through prevention of illness and injury. For more information, please visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.com; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.
The above is an announcement released by the Putnam County Department of Health.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
