Walgreens pharmacies plan to offer free HIV testing this week in more than a dozen Chicago locations. The testing will conducted from Thursday and Friday from 3 to 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

The results will be delivered from trained counselors from health departments and local AIDS service organizations within minutes.

The second state in the total number of HIV cases is Florida. It had 49,058 HIV cases in 2012 and 126,581 AIDS cases in 2012. Free HIV testing will also be conducted in Escambia County at the Walgreens location at 700 North Pace Boulevard in Pensacola on Thursday and Friday from 3 to 7 pm.

On Saturday, the testing will be conducted from 10 am to 2 pm. The tests will be available for three days. Although testing is covered by most health plans and insurance is accepted during the event, people may opt against using their health insurance in favor of the free anonymous testing.

Harford Health Officer Susan Kelly said that testing is boosted by groups such as the Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, gay-straight alliances and some schools.

By making HIV testing a routine part of medical care people could learn their HIV status before they get sick. This would help to seek treatment for HIV so that they do not become sick.