MANCHESTER - Wednesday is National HIV Testing Day and to highlight its importance the Manchester Health Department will provide testing by appointment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone be tested for HIV at least once. Individuals who are at increased risk, such as gay and bisexual men, injection drug users or persons with multiple sex partners, should be tested annually.

Pregnant women should also be tested early in their pregnancy to prevent transmission of HIV infection to their infants.

"Testing is an important first step to link persons with HIV infection to medical care and other support systems to improve their health and prevent transmission of the virus," said Tim Soucy, the city's public health director.

To schedule an appointment, call Josie Holguin at 628-6003, Ext. 321.