Six Rivers Planned Parenthood is offering a very popular new testing method for their HIV program. From July to September 2007, over 300 patients have taken advantage of the new test which provides results in as little as 10 minutes. “The rapid HIV test is a simple finger poke with results ready in 10 minutes. It is a very simple and easy way to know one’s status and not have to wait 2 weeks for results. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that HIV testing be done routinely. In order for people to get early access to treatment and to prevent infecting other’s with HIV, a person has to know if they have the infection. Getting tested is the first step and we are the only clinic in the area who offers the Uni-Gold rapid HIV test, but the Public Health Department offers the OraQuick rapid HIV test with results ready in 20 minutes” said Rachael Trevino, SRPP HIV Program Coordinator. Walk-in testing is available every Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, including some evening hours. Funding for the expansion of the HIV program, including the use of the rapid testing method, was provided by the Humboldt Area Foundation and the Union Labor Health Foundation.

One of 123 Planned Parenthood affiliates in the nation, SRPP has been serving Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties for 32 years. In addition to HIV and STD testing, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood provides a full range of family planning services including cancer screening, vasectomy, pregnancy testing and counseling, treatment for abnormal pap smears and early abortion. SRPP’s education department provides prevention information with credentialed health educators and trained peer educators who teach family life education in the junior high and high schools throughout Humboldt and Trinity Counties, as well as parent/child workshops, programs in Juvenile Hall, the California Conservation Corps and local continuation high schools.