Hughes to Participate in "Get Tex-ted for HIV" Event

WHO: State Senator Vincent Hughes, The Philadelphia Department of Public Health and OraSure Technologies

WHAT: "GET Tex-ted for HIV" Mobile Texting Program Launch

WHEN: Friday, June 26 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Pediatric & Adolescent Care Center at Cobbs Creek
255 Cobbs Creek Parkway, (63rd & Locust Sts.)
Philadelphia

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, state Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Phila.)will join the Philadelphia Department of Health AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO) and OraSure Technologies to launch “Get Tex-ted for HIV,” an HIV testing campaign that utilizes mobile text messages to link residents of Philadelphia with the location of HIV testing sites throughout the city.

Hughes will also demonstrate the speed and simplicity of an HIV testing device developed by Orasure Technologies of Bethlehem, PA. The OraQuick test involves taking an oral fluid sample with a swab that is then inserted into a testing device. The results are available in 20 minutes.

Hughes said news of the development of faster, easier testing methods has been slow in reaching communities most affected by the disease.

Media coverage is invited and encouraged.

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