NASHUA – For the fourth year in a row, the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services is hosting their annual Valentine’s Day event on Monday. During this event, sexually transmitted disease (STD), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing will be available from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the parking lot at H.E.A.R.T.S. located at 5 Pine St Ext., Nashua, and from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Nashua Soup Kitchen, located at 2 Quincy St., Nashua. STD, HIV, and HCV testing will be provided at no cost. Nashua 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 or someone else has an STD, 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 you 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 (CDC) recommend everyone aged 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime as a part of routine healthcare. Any New Hampshire resident aged 14 through 17 may have confidential STD, HIV, and HCV testing and treatment without parental consent.

Anyone unable to receive a STD/HIV/HCV test on Feb. 14 can attend one of the Nashua DPHCS clinics held by appointment only every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. at 18 Mulberry St., Nashua. Please call to schedule an appointment at 603-589-4500, option #2.

If you would like to learn more or have any questions, please call the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services at 603-589-4500, option #2, or visit: www.nashuanh.gov/DPHCS, www.dhhs.nh.gov, or https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm for more information.

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