Due to the drug epidemic, officials in West Virginia are teaming up to protect people's health in Mercer County. Free HIV and Hepatitis C confidential tests were given out at the Mercer County Health Department on Monday August 8, 2016. Terah Poff lives in Mercer County and was glad to hear about the free tests.
Poff said, "Everyone around can make sure they are clear of at least any diseases. There's a lot of people that are using IV drugs around here."
Hepatitis C and HIV rates are growing in the region due to IV drug use according to West Virginia Health Right. That's why West Virginia Health Right and Beckley Health Right partnered with the Mercer County Health Department for free HIV and Hepatitis C tests on Monday. Development Director Jeff Crist with West Virginia Health Right said the testing is a quick process.
Crist said, "We're just helping to try to identify folks who are at the highest risk. The HIV test it is an oral swab so there's no blood needed so we can detect the antibodies in that test within 20 minutes as well so this is a one stop shop."
Crist said they need a blood sample to test for Hepatitis C. To get a sample, they will prick your finger.
Crist said, "Our hope is that you know folks will see this and they can maybe reach out to the Mercer County Health Department."
If you couldn't make it out to the Mercer County Health Department and would like to get tested, you can call 304-324-8367.
Poff said, "Everyone around can make sure they are clear of at least any diseases. There's a lot of people that are using IV drugs around here."
Hepatitis C and HIV rates are growing in the region due to IV drug use according to West Virginia Health Right. That's why West Virginia Health Right and Beckley Health Right partnered with the Mercer County Health Department for free HIV and Hepatitis C tests on Monday. Development Director Jeff Crist with West Virginia Health Right said the testing is a quick process.
Crist said, "We're just helping to try to identify folks who are at the highest risk. The HIV test it is an oral swab so there's no blood needed so we can detect the antibodies in that test within 20 minutes as well so this is a one stop shop."
Crist said they need a blood sample to test for Hepatitis C. To get a sample, they will prick your finger.
Crist said, "Our hope is that you know folks will see this and they can maybe reach out to the Mercer County Health Department."
If you couldn't make it out to the Mercer County Health Department and would like to get tested, you can call 304-324-8367.
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