The Detroit Public Health STD Clinic at 50 E. Canfield St. in Detroit will host a free open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

"We wanted to honor and observe National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day because black persons are disproportionately affected by HIV infection, and HIV prevention is a major focus of our clinic," said Christine Heumann, M.D., the clinic's medical director. "The majority of HIV infections are acquired through sexual transmission, and in our clinic we are able to identify those who are at high risk of HIV acquisition and can offer preventative measures such and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and condoms."

Free rapid HIV testing and counseling will be available during the open house, which welcomes walk-in patients and those with an appointment. All are welcome to attend the event, which will include gift bags and a strolling dinner.

Free parking will be available in the black gated lot off of Canfield Street.

This is the first open house for the clinic since it became a collaborative effort between the Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Wayne State University Physician Group, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Detroit Health Department. The clinic moved into its current location, a custom renovation, in March 2016.

The clinic serves all eight southeast Michigan counties.

"Our ability to help every individual regardless of their ability to pay makes us a go-to clinic in the region. We often receive referrals from providers who do not carry the treatments patients require to treat their sexually transmitted infections. We also have a full-time insurance counselor who assists patients with applying for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act insurance, as well as prescription assistance programs," Dr. Heumann added.