By Corey Allen Young Channel 2 News KTUU

6:04 p.m. AKST, December 10, 2012
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

This week, Planned Parenthood of Alaska’s health centers are providing free HIV testing in honor of World AIDS Day.

With approximately 1.2 million America living with HIV or AIDS -- and another one diagnosed every 10 seconds -- Planned Parenthood say taking the test is about taking responsibility for personal health, as well as that of sexual partners, to stay HIV-free.

The disease is one of the most preventable infections, and the clinic is offering the free tests so more people can get themselves checked.

“The best prevention for HIV is knowing your status,” said Planned Parenthood’s Clover Simon. “And so, knowing if you’re negative and then making sure you stay negative, by having those tough conversations with your partner, about using protection or delaying sex until you both have negative tests.”

The free HIV testing being offered is an oral swab and not a blood draw.

The test is available at the Anchorage Health Center, at 4001 Lake Otis Pkwy., on Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Corey Allen Young