The Berrien County Health Department’s HIV program is applying for a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project to purchase HIV tests that give quick results. These tests will be used at the annual HIV Testing Day event June 25.

In order to receive a Pepsi Refresh grant, it must win the most votes in its funding category on Pepsi’s Web site. It’s especially important to vote early because the leading submissions are displayed on the homepage and will be viewed first by other voters.
To support the Berrien County Health Department’s request to purchase HIV rapid tests, visit the grant Web site at and cast your vote of our project, titled “Purchase instant HIV tests for an HIV testing event in Berrien County.”

If our project receives the most votes, BCHD will be awarded a grant of $2,700, enough to purchase 100 HIV Rapid Tests. These tests will allow clients to receive their results in less than 15 minutes, instead of having to wait for up to two weeks for lab results. These quick results will encourage more people in our community to get tested and know their HIV status. Those testing positive will be set up with a case manager who will assist them in seeking appropriate medical treatment as well as taking necessary precautions to stop the spread of this disease.

You can vote for the project every day until a decision is made.

For more information, contact the Health Department at 926-7121 or visit www.bchdmi.org.