"You need to be tested:" Free HIV, Hepatitis testing available in Milwaukee on "National Testing Day"

MILWAUKEE -- Do you know your status? That's a question asked all over the country on Monday, June 27th -- National HIV Testing Day.

National HIV Testing Day is a Center for Disease Control (CDC) recognized observance day which was created to serve as a reminder to get the facts, get tested and get involved to take care of yourself and your partners.

On Monday, some filed into the Isaac Coggs Heritage Health Center in Milwaukee to get tested.

"You always want to make sure you are OK," said Dominique Owens.

As a nurse for 18 years, Owens has seen the impact of HIV.

"It doesn't have a face. Anybody can get it at any time," said Owens.

Knowing it's important, Owens made it a point to get tested.

With incentives like free groceries, snacks and door prizes, Jefflyn Eaton said it was important to get as many people through the doors as possible.

"There are about 1,500 people in Wisconsin who have HIV and don't even know it," said Eaton, nurse case manager.

Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. offered free HIV and Hepatitis testing.

"You need to be tested more frequently if you are not protecting yourself or if you're an IV drug user -- or if you get tattoos from not a special shop who sterilizes their equipment," said Eaton.

Easton said Milwaukee County accounted for a large number of cases in Wisconsin. She says education is not only power, but hope.

"We work with people who are HIV positive and work with them through the process of testing and finding out that they are positive, and helping them with treatment, with medication, getting them a primary care doctor," said Eaton.

If you were not able to get tested on Monday, June 27th, you still have the opportunity to do so at both Milwaukee Health Service locations.

Health officials recommend you get tested at least once a year if you are sexually active and every three months if you are high risk.