Health Department highlighting HIV Testing Day

Published on June 26, 2025

Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV, and about 13% of them don’t know it and need testing.

For all sexually active people, knowing your HIV status puts the power of your health in your hands.

Do you know your status? If not, Oak Park Public Health officials encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider, who can offer you an HIV test.

The Brown Elephant at 217 Harrison St. offers HIV testing from 2 to 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month.

Health officials are also offering a reminder that birth control methods like a birth control pill or an IUD do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

A barrier method like condoms, which are available for free from the Public Health Department and at the Brown Elephant, or a medication like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is needed to prevent HIV transmission.

Oak Park Public Health officials can help community members locate a way to be tested and provide free condoms. Contact the Public Health Department at 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us for more information.