Gift Cards for Free HIV Testing at WAWC Week

WAWC Healthcare will host a series of events February 2 through 6 in recognition of Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed each year on February 7, according to a press release sent to Townsquare Media.

Throughout the week, WAWC Healthcare will offer daily HIV testing at its location at 535 Jack Warner Parkway, Suite I. Testing will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. February 2 through 5, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 6. Those who get tested during the event week will receive a small gift as a thank you for prioritizing their health.

"Black communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, and much of that is tied to lack of access, stigma, and misinformation We wanted to create space that centers provention, compassion, and education, while making testing and resources easy and judgment-free," said Crystina Hughes who is the Community Outreach director for WAWC.

"Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to meet people where they are and remind them that knowing your status, protecting your mental health, and having access to care are all acts of self-love."

WAWC will have a licensed therapist on site as well.

"It’s about making sure people feel supported as whole people, not just patients getting a test," said Tamela Hughes who serves as the Director of Mental Health & Program Innovation for WAWC.

"As a therapist, being on-site allows me to support people in real time — helping them slow their thoughts down, manage anxiety, and feel grounded while they wait. And if someone does receive a positive result, they don’t have to sit with that alone. They have immediate support to help them process what they’re feeling in that moment and figure out what their next steps might look like emotionally."

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Residents don’t have to wait for a special event to access care in West Alabama.  WAWC Healthcare offers ongoing HIV testing, PrEP services, condoms, and provention education year-round in a supportive and confidential environment. Anyone can visit www.wawchealth.com or call 205-556-2026 to schedule an appointment, ask questions, or learn more.

When asked about the goal of this event and the topic of HIV/AIDS in West Alabama in the future, Crystina Hughes says, "Our goal is to make sure people know that care is available before, during, and after Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day."