Medical Center, Businesses, Community Form Partnership To Offer HIV Testing in East Baltimore, Md.

The Men's Center in East Baltimore, Md., on Monday began offering free HIV testing as part of a partnership between the center, the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's Division of Infectious Diseases, the Associated Press reports. The partnership is the first of its kind in the region aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. The HIV testing -- which will be provided between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and administered by volunteer medical students -- is part of an effort to "make the process of getting tested less intimidating and more accessible," the Associated Press reports. Dr. Claude Fox, director of Hopkins' Urban Health Institute, said, "This is a good way to put a human face on a debilitating and stigmatizing disease." He added that people who test positive will receive assistance in scheduling follow-up appointments and will "be supported through the entire process." Fox said, "Entering the medical system can be confusing and intimidating, so follow up will take priority." Drug maker Abbott is providing support and rapid HIV test kits for the program, and Boehringer Ingelheim is offering additional funding (Associated Press, 2/10).