Around Town

Putnam County Offers HIV Testing, Dunkin’ Donuts Cards, and, Condoms

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National Test Day June 27
The Putnam County Department of Health  is offering the public free HIV testing, along with free condoms and a limited number of Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards, next Thursday, June 27, in Brewster. The Health Department will provide quick testing, counseling, educational information, refreshments, condoms, and for the first 20 participants, $5 Dunkin’ Donuts gift certificates. Available on a no-appointments basis, the testing will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 121 Main St., Brewster. The event coincides with National HIV Testing Day, an annual event to encourage Americans to “take the test; take control.” Nearly 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV, according to estimates from the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, but approximately 20 percent are unaware they are infected. Those with HIV and AIDS live longer, healthier and more productive lives than once was the case, but no vaccine or cure for HIV exists, although new research is considered promising.