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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Large HIV Testing Festival Set for Tomorrow

hiv-virus-ball.jpg
Photo via the event's Facebook page

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There 3,100 new HIV infections annually in Los Angeles County. Even worse, 70% of those new cases are spread by those who have HIV and do not even know it (that's about out of every five person who is HIV + ). And with Latinos making up the largest number of residents living with the STD, a number of health agencies are hosting Test Fest tomorrow in East L.A. They're calling it the largest HIV counseling and testing event in Southern California.

The event will feature a number of musical acts and will offer free anonymous testing with results within 30 minutes. If you've ever been to one of L.A. County's Free Clinics, the process is quite lengthy and agonizing: arrive, wait for hours, get tested, wait two to three weeks for results, go back to the clinic, wait another few hours and then get called in to hear your results. Not too shabby.

It's all being held at Ruben Salazar Park at 3864 Whittier Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90023 [Facebook Event Page]

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