Know your HIV status: Testing available at Planned Parenthood health centers

In response to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH)’s Feb. 25 announcement  of an HIV outbreak centered in five Southern Indiana counties, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) is reminding Hoosiers that it offers fast, affordable HIV testing for women and men at its health centers, including those in Columbus, Seymour, New Albany and Louisville.

According to ISDH, the outbreak is centered in Jackson, Scott, Washington, Clark and Perry Counties.  Health officials are largely attributing this outbreak to intravenous prescription drug abuse and sharing needles, as well as through sexual transmission.

State health officials recommend that all Hoosiers know their HIV status through testing at a health care facility.

PPINK health centers offer rapid HIV testing, which can be done by swabbing the inside of the mouth. Results are available in 20-40 minutes. Appointments for testing can be scheduled online at www.ppink.org or by calling 800-230-PLAN.

To learn more about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), please visit PPINK online.

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Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) provides high-quality health care to more than 55,000 men and women each year at our health centers across two states. Our centers are staffed by skilled clinicians and highly trained health care professionals. 93% of our nonprofit’s services are preventive in nature and include Pap tests, breast and testicular cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing and treatment, and annual wellness exams. Through the Sara and Albert Reuben Partners in Health Education initiative, PPINK also provides sexuality and reproductive health education programs, equipping people to make responsible decisions so that families thrive in Indiana and Kentucky.

PPINK’s doors are open to all who need care and we provide our services in a confidential, compassionate and non-judgmental manner. We accept Medicaid and insurance.