SAN DIEGO – A campaign to combat syphilis will begin later this month.

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) will kick off its “We All Test” campaign with “The Doctor Is In” event from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Urban Mo’s, 308 University Ave. in Hillcrest.

“The Doctor Is In” event promises to be a fun way to discuss and learn about a serious topic. Attendees are encouraged to dress up like doctors and nurses, and a bachelors auction of “Hot Docs” will take place.

San Diego County’s mobile medical unit will be set up outside the nightclub for those who want to get tested immediately.

Proceeds from the event will go to support the FHCSD’s Tuesday/Thursday Night Clinics that are available for gay men and transgender clients.

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services in partner with FHCSD are putting on the campaign to help bring attention to the unnerving increase in syphilis in the gay community and to encourage gay men to get tested regularly.

Syphilis can remain latent for several years and if left untreated can lead to serious illness, paralysis, dementia and even death.

“Once syphilis is diagnosed it can be completely cured through antibiotics,” said Bob Lewis, HIV Services director for FHCSD.

The “We All Test” campaign will give people the opportunity to receive reminders via text message or e-mail to get tested periodically.

More information about the campaign can be found at WeAllTest.com. For appointments or information about FHCSD’s health services for gay men, call (619) 515-2449.