Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) will host two free HIV testing events in honor of World AIDS Day.

The first event will take place November 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Life University’s Wellness Center, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, Georgia 30060.

The second is on December 1 from Noon-5 p.m. at the Sibley Library, 1539 South Cobb Drive, Marietta GA 30060.

World AIDS Day is held every year on December 1.

“We want to continue to offer dynamic outreach to the communities of Cobb and Douglas counties,” said HIV Prevention Program Manager Karrie Pate, MPH. “World AIDS Day is the perfect time to honor those affected by HIV AIDS and come to together to dismantle the misconceptions that surrounds HIV.”

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) 2016 HIV Disease Surveillance Summary Georgia is ranked 5th in the U.S. for number of people living with HIV. Two-thirds live metro Atlanta, which includes Cobb and Douglas counties.

More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS since it became known in the 1980s.

According to the press release from Cobb & Douglas Public Health, “[CDPH’s] testing, counseling and outreach efforts include the help of knowledgeable, compassionate counselors that can guide residents through next step options or discuss risk-reduction techniques. Testing during the World AIDS Day events is free and open to everyone. There are no needles involved and results are confidential and ready within 60 seconds.”

For more call 770-514-2815.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health

CDPH describes its mission as follows:

Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of “Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. We are dedicated to improving our residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies. For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.