HIV Testing Atlanta took center stage on Thursday, June 26, as Streetz 94.5 and rolling out magazine joined forces with the Empowerment Resource Center for the 13th Annual “Take Charge, Get Tested” event. Held at 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd., the event, part of National HIV Testing Awareness Day, empowered the audience to promote health and hope in the heart of Atlanta’s west side.
This year’s theme was clear: normalize testing, reduce stigma, and meet people where they are. With free HIV testing, health screenings, food, music, and good vibes, the community showed up in force, not just to get tested, but to get informed and inspired. Their presence and participation were crucial to the event’s success.
Georgia continues to rank among the top five states in the nation for new HIV diagnoses, with the Atlanta metro area consistently showing high prevalence rates. According to the CDC, in 2023, Georgia reported more than 2,300 new HIV cases. Many of those affected fall within the 20- to 39-year-old age range, making events like this essential for early detection and community awareness.
Streetz 94.5 brought the energy to match the mission. From the moment the mic turned on, radio personalities like ET and J Smoke made sure attendees felt welcomed, informed, and hyped. They hosted trivia games, dropped health facts between songs, and even encouraged on-the-spot testing through giveaways and shoutouts.
The Empowerment Resource Center, based in Atlanta, has long been committed to offering free, confidential HIV and STI testing, with a mission rooted in equity and access. Mobile testing units were outside the building. Within minutes, attendees could receive testing, speak with healthcare professionals, and access follow-up support if needed…