Milwaukee organizations offer free HIV testing in observance of World AIDS Day

December 1 is World AIDS Day and in observance of this global day of awareness, several local organizations are teaming up to offer free HIV and STI testing.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there are more than 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States--and an estimated 1 in 6 of those people don't even know they're infected. 

In Milwaukee, it's believed that more than 600 residents are not aware of their HIV status. In fact, the City of Milwaukee accounts for 44% of the state's HIV diagnoses, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Get tested for free between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. today at YWCA located at 1915 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Guests will also have access to health education and help with signing up for insurance benefits.

A balloon release to honor the lives of those impacted by HIV/AIDS is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today at the Fortress Building, 100 E. Pleasant Street, in Milwaukee.