A local drug store in Indiana has begun offering free HIV testing for residents following the outbreak of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the state.

According to reports, the North Vernon Walgreens Pharmacy in Jennings County is increasing the frequency of its free testing as part of its service to the community. Residents are urged to visit the store on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to have them tested for the disease. No appointments are necessary.

The tests will be administered by members of Positive Link, a community program managed by the Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital Community Health. Positive Link also handles free diagnostic testing for people who might be at risk for HIV infection in 23 other counties in south and central Indiana.

Aside from the HIV testing, locals can also get free counseling and additional information about the disease.

"At this time, I am not aware of any Scott County outbreak related HIV case here in Jennings County, and we hope it stays that way," Pam Petry, a public health nurse in Jennings County, said.

"But if someone does have HIV, they need to know their status as soon as possible so they can receive treatment."

Petry added that a protocol concerning privacy protection will be implemented during the free HIV testing.

"If someone tests positive, the results will be sent to the Indiana State Department of Health, and the patient's own county of residence health department will notify the patient," Petry added.

On Friday, Indiana state health commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams issued a state-wide public health emergency in Scott County in order to aid their efforts in stopping the outbreak.

Local health officials report that there are already 159 confirmed cases in Southern Indiana.

Scott County has been one of the hardest hit areas since the HIV epidemic first broke out in the state. A needle exchange program has been launched to help control the spread of the disease, especially among drug users.

"We have had over 1,400 services utilized at the One-Stop Shop in Austin, all at no cost to the individual, including more than 300 people who have signed up for the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0," Adams said.

"We know our efforts are working, and I thank all of our partners, at the state, local and federal level, for their continued support during this emergency."

Photo: Wheeler Cowperthwaite | Flickr