NASHUA – For the ninth year, the city’s Division of Public Health and Community Services will be hosting its annual Valentine’s Day event on Feb. 12.

Testing for will be available at no cost for sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis as well as Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C. Services will be available on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Nashua DPHCS in the basement of 18 Mulberry St.

DPHCS staff will be available to provide education and counseling to all clients. In addition, giveaways and refreshments will be offered to everyone who attends and gift cards will be available while supplies last.

The only way to know if you have an STI, HIV or HCV is to get tested. If you are sexually active, or planning to be, getting tested is one of the most important things you can do to protect the health of yourself and your partner. It is important for people to know their status, be diagnosed early, and get linked to a healthcare provider to ensure the best health outcomes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime as a part of routine healthcare. The CDC recommends individuals at increased risk for HIV get tested every year or more frequently. Under state law, anyone over the age of 14 is eligible for confidential STI, HIV and HCV testing and treatment.

Anyone unable to attend the Valentine’s Day testing event can attend one of the DPHCS Sexual Wellness clinics by appointment every Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. and every Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Please call to schedule an appointment at 603-589-4500, option #2.