June 27 is National HIV Testing Day

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, and locally the county health department and a state hotline are offering services to encourage residents to get tested.

The Ocean County Health Department offers counseling and testing for HIV, not just June 27 but throughout the year. There is free, confidential HIV Counseling and Testing 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the county health department main headquarters on 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River.

To make an appointment, call the health department at 732-341-9700, ext. 7512. Bi-lingual counseling is also available.

The Ocean County Health Department also offers free clinic services for uninsured Ocean County residents infected with HIV or have been diagnosed with AIDS. Support groups are available also for clients and family member as well.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services also operates a hotline dedicated to assistance on AIDS, HIV and sexually transmitted disease questions.

A call to the hotline can locate where in New Jersey a free, state-funded testing site is closest to you.

Call the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-624-2377. The hotline also accepts email questions at 8006242377@njpies.org.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Now in its 18th year in denoting June 27 as National HIV Testing Day, the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline collaborates with other prevention organizations  to advocate for testing.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that  all individuals between the ages of 13 and 64 be routinely tested for HIV infection.