Know Your Status – HIV Awareness & Empowerment Day at The Free Clinic

Event Overview

Join The Free Clinic for Know Your Status – HIV Awareness & Empowerment Day — a free, welcoming, stigma-free community event celebrating knowledge, self-care, and connection.

On National HIV Testing Day, we’ll create a supportive space to learn about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and living well. Our expert HIV team (Dr. Zephyr Kain and Dr. Mirabel Quinnor), along with mental health, substance use, and case management colleagues, will offer confidential rapid testing, one-on-one chats, PrEP/PEP info, harm reduction resources, and referrals to our full range of free services (primary care, mental health, dental, SAT, case management).

This isn’t just about testing — it’s about empowerment: reducing stigma, sharing accurate info, celebrating resilience, and reminding everyone that HIV is preventable, treatable, and no one faces it alone. Expect inspiring stories, interactive education, music, refreshments, and a judgment-free zone open to all.

All activities and services are 100% free, confidential, and inclusive — no ID, insurance, or appointment needed.

Date and Time

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 (National HIV Testing Day)
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Format: Drop-in (come anytime; testing and talks available throughout)
Duration: 5 hours of rotating sessions, testing, and mingling

Location

The Free Clinic
3100 East 45th Street
Cleveland, OH 44127, United States

Free parking on-site. Accessible via RTA bus routes 15 and 19-19A-19B. Bike racks available. Fully ADA-compliant with ramps, accessible restrooms, and parking — contact us for any accommodations.

Highlights & Activities

Led or supported by our HIV Services Team and cross-service experts:

Confidential Rapid HIV Testing (quick, finger-prick or oral swab; results in ~20 minutes) with immediate counseling and linkage to care if needed
PrEP/PEP & Prevention Education: Learn about pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, condom access info, and low-barrier options
Short Interactive Talks & Q&A (15–25 min, repeating):
- “HIV Basics: Myths vs. Facts” (11:00 AM & 1:30 PM)
- “Living Well with HIV: Treatment & Support Today” (11:45 AM & 2:15 PM)
- “Stigma & Mental Health: Supporting Yourself & Loved Ones” (12:30 PM)
- “Substance Use & HIV: Harm Reduction Tips” (1:00 PM)
Resource & Connection Hub: Meet our team informally — chat about ongoing free services (mental health therapy, substance use treatment/MAT, dental care, case management for housing/food/benefits)
Community Voices Corner: Short, optional anonymous or named shares from peers/volunteers about hope, testing journeys, and resilience
Fun & Relaxed Vibes: Light music playlist, free healthy snacks/drinks, wellness affirmation station, informational posters, and giveaways (condoms, educational materials, branded items)
Family & Ally-Friendly: Info tailored for partners, families, youth, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ community members

Interpretation services in multiple languages — request ahead or on arrival.

Who Should Attend?

Everyone in Cleveland and Greater Cleveland is welcome:

Anyone curious about HIV or wanting to know their status
People in relationships, sexually active, or with past exposures
Those supporting friends/family living with or affected by HIV
Community members interested in prevention, sexual health, or reducing stigma
Newcomers, youth, seniors — no one turned away

Bring a friend or partner — the more open conversations, the better!

How to Prepare

Wear comfortable clothing
If testing, no fasting needed
Bring questions — our team loves them!
Masks optional; hand hygiene stations provided

Registration and Contact

Walk-ins encouraged! For questions, language requests, or accessibility needs:

Phone: (216) 766-0492 (business hours)
Email: [email protected]

Why Join Us?

Many delay testing due to fear, stigma, or myths — yet knowing your status early means better health outcomes, effective treatment (often one pill daily), and preventing transmission. This event normalizes testing as self-love and community care, while connecting people to The Free Clinic’s barrier-free services year-round.

On June 27, let’s level up together: know your status, support each other, and build a healthier, more compassionate Cleveland.