Family Health

Did you know that more people have HIV today than 20 years ago? HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is spread through sex or by shared needle use. Anyone can get HIV, then give it to someone else. It is not spread through touching people or through the air.

Many clinics in Kern County offer HIV testing for walk-ins, or you can test in your own home with a mail-in test kit. HIV test results are always only between you and your doctor. Your doctor can give you more information on what you can do to keep yourself safe from HIV.

Where can I get tested?

• You can order an at-home testing kit from takemehome.org.
• Clinica Sierra Vista has an HIV Clinic. It's located at the 34th Street Community Health Center in Bakersfield.
• Needle exchange and HIV testing are available every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Weill Park in Bakersfield through Bakersfield AIDS Project.

Categories: Resources