The City of St. Joseph is urging people to get tested Tuesday as part of National HIV Testing Day.

The city said this year’s theme is: “Test Your Way. Do It Today.” According to a news release, the City of St. Joseph Health Department offers confidential, low cost testing by appointment, personal health care providers do as well, private testing sites at public events are held periodically, and a test can even be done with a kit at home.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department is partnering with Cosentino’s Price Chopper to offer free, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Price Chopper location, 2219 North Belt Highway. The testing results take around 20 minutes.  The city said clients will also have the opportunity to learn more about both HIV and Hepatitis C when they visit the store on Tuesday.

“We’re hopeful that people will take the time to get tested. It only takes a few minutes to take control of your health,” said Kelly Kibirige, supervisor of the Community Health division of the St. Joseph Health Department.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. But some people are more at risk of getting HIV than others and should be tested at least once a year. The city said sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (for example, every 3 to 6 months).

National HIV Testing Day promotes self-awareness and personal responsibility, encouraging everyone to get tested and to be safe. Both HIV and Hepatitis C are infections that can lie dormant for years. The CDC estimates that about 1 in 7 people with HIV and up to 75% of those with Hepatitis C don’t know they’re infected.