Teens will have a chance to cut out the stigma related to HIV and AIDS this month. The first 20 teens ages 13-17 to take a free HIV test will receive a free haircut at two different barbershops.

On Thursday, Sept. 27 from 4-7 p.m., the Central Alabama Advocacy and Resource Center will administer free HIV tests at Creative Hair Designs located at 2820 Citizens Parkway, Suite 8.

On Sunday, Sept. 30 from 1-4 p.m., Selma Air will administer free HIV test at Teamwork Barbershop located at 911 J.L. Chestnut Boulevard.

All test results are confidential.

The event is hosted by the Council on Substance Abuse – NCADD.

The Council on Substance Abuse – NCADD is a non-profit organization that promotes the understanding that alcoholism and other drug dependencies are both preventable and treatable diseases.

Satavia Mann, Project Director for T.E.E.N Direct Project said the organization does a lot of engaging events to reach the youth.

“We have a variety of programs at our agency,” she said. “This particular project is the Teens, Empowered, Educated, and Nurtured (TEEN) Direct Project. The TEEN Direct Project is a free prevention project designed to reduce the rates of HIV and substance among youth, ages 13-17, through education, mentoring and community outreach activities in Montgomery, Dallas and Lowndes counties.”

According to Mann this is a way for youth to get tested without the negativity and backlash that comes with it. It is also a way for them to be engaged in something educational involving their health.

“My goal for this event is to help raise awareness about substance abuse and HIV as it relates to youth in the community, assist in creating an environment for teens to fellowship in a new innovative way without the involvement of substance use, and to encourage teens to get tested,” she said.

Mann said with the understanding that more HIV prevention and education is needed in Selma, the organization chose the city for the event.

“We know that Selma youth are underserved when it comes to HIV prevention education and research data support this,” she said. “We believe that additional resources can benefit the youth in the Selma area and create an environment where youth voices are heard.”

For more information, contact Satavia Mann at smann@cosancadd.org or call (334) 262-1629.