BOULDER — Without a grimace or wince, Boulder County Commissioner Ben Pearlman and two other notables submitted to an HIV test Tuesday in front of the county courthouse.
The test included a finger prick to collect blood and a 10-minute wait. All three test samples came up negative, meaning Pearlman — along with singer Hazel Miller and Boulder Weekly editor Pamela White — do not have the virus that causes AIDS.
The trio came forward to show how easy it is to find out whether they have HIV and to ensure they are not putting someone else in danger.
“It’s so important to know if you have the virus and then to take care of it,” said the 40-year-old Pearlman.
The public testing is part of a kickoff to National HIV Testing Day, which will be marked in Boulder and Longmont with free public testing on Friday and Saturday.
In Longmont, testing will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Powell Building, 82 21st Ave., behind the Tanglewood Living Community. On Saturday, free testing will be provided from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Boulder County AIDS Project office in Boulder, 2118 14th St.
AIDS Project staff members will also provide information about HIV prevention throughout the day at a booth on the 14th Street block of the Pearl Street Mall.
Last year, 186 people were tested in Longmont and Boulder during National HIV Testing Day.
Boulder County Public Health testing counselor Patty Brezovar said HIV testing should become a regular ritual for people, like having their blood pressure or cholesterol checked.
“We want HIV testing to be an easy, quick, safe and empowering experience,” Brezovar said.
Miller, 54, said she took the HIV test to show her five grandchildren — including three girls — that medical knowledge is one of the best tools to steer someone toward a brighter future.
“I want my grandchildren to be powerful women,” Miller said. “And I want them to take control of their destiny.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
