December is recognized as HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and the Berrien County Health Department encourages the community to get tested.

BCHD Clinical and Community Health Services Supervisor Dionne Rigozzi mentioned that they have seen an increase in testing overall, and aim to educate the public and raise awareness about prevention and treatment strategies during this month.

“We encourage folks to test every three months,” Rigozzi says. “They can call either of our clinics and make appointments with the nursing team, our community health worker that is here at our offices.”

BCHD provides a range of services for HIV testing including rapid tests that will provide results within 20 minutes. The health department also provides education, and discuss results.

“When somebody does test non-reactive or negative for the HIV virus, we will then encourage them to consult an infectious disease doctor or nurse practitioner about prep.”

Rigozzi encourages people to get tested for all STIs. You can schedule an appointment at either BCHD location by calling 269-926-7121.