To mark National HIV Testing Day, which took place on June 27, The Let's Talk, Let's Test Foundation ( LTLTF ) coordinated three free testing events on Chicago's South Side.
On that day, LTLTF sponsored events at Seaway National Bank, 825 E. 87th, and in State Rep. Constance A. Howard's office, located at 8729 S. State. The other event took place June 25 at Trinity United Church, 400 W. 95th. ( In addition, there was a special program at the church that featured LTLTF's Lloyd Kelly and Chicago's health commissioner, Dr. Terry Mason. ) Testing was administered by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 300,000 people nationwide are HIV-positive but are unaware of their status.
The mission of the LTLTF, which was established by Howard, is to raise awareness regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on the African-American community. For more information about LTLTF, call 773-821-2795 or see www.ltltfoundation.org .