NASHUA — The city Division of Public Health & Community Services is observing National HIV Testing Day on Monday, June 27, with free test clinics in Nashua and Milford, along with a third clinic scheduled for this Saturday, June 25, in conjunction with the Nashua Pride parade and festival.

“Testing is free, easy, fast, and confidential, and available to anyone, including individuals who are uninsured,” Nicole Chute, the division’s health promotion and communication specialist, said in a statement.

While supplies last, everyone who gets tested for HIV will receive a $10 gift card, she added.

Saturday’s clinic will take place at the Nashua Public Library plaza, 2 Court St., from 2-6 p.m.

On Monday — National HIV Testing Day — Nashua will host a clinic at 18 Mulberry St., the DPHCS headquarters, from 2-4 p.m.

Milford’s clinic, also on Monday, will take place from 10 a.m. – noon at the Addiction Recovery Coalition of New Hampshire, 180 Elm St., Suite E.

According to local health officials, HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live.

Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in seven people don’t know they have it.

In New Hampshire, Hillsborough County has the second highest number of HIV cases. If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

In 2019, 12.9% of new HIV diagnoses were diagnosed late, meaning that patients also had an AIDS diagnosis within three months of their initial HIV diagnosis.

“The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested,” Sascha Potzka, DPHCS public health nurse. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.

Some people may be more likely to contract HIV than others due to various factors and should be tested more frequently.

“Anyone with HIV benefits from getting an early diagnosis and treatment because it allows them to live long and healthy lives, and people who are aware of their diagnosis can take protective measures with their partners,” according to the statement.

HIV is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners or anonymous partners, or through the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes, or other equipment used for the injection of drugs.

“It’s so important that if you’re using substances, especially IV substances, that you get tested, not only for yourself but for those around you,” said Tanya Wessells, Peer Support Program Manager at the Addiction Recovery Coalition of NH.

“Substance use lowers your immune system, putting you at higher risk of complications if you are HIV positive, so it’s important for you to find out so that you can get the support and services you need.”

Nashua also offers a community-based syringe services program that provides access to sterile needles and syringes free of cost and facilitates safe disposal of used needles and syringes.

The program, known as Syringe Services Alliance of the Nashua Area (SSANA), is available in the Nashua Public Library parking lot on Mondays from 10 a.m. – noon and on Wednesdays from 2 – 4 p.m.

For more information about National HIV Testing Day, go to www.nashuanh.gov/1270/STDHIVHCV-Program, or contact city Public Health Nurse Sascha Potzka at 603-682-2885.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.