“Take the Test, Take Control” – National HIV Testing Day 2011
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jun 26, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) is informing the public about National HIV Testing Day Monday, June 27, 2011. This is so important since over 9% of the population may be infected and do not know it. Therefore the CLHD will be offering the community free and confidential HIV rapid testing on from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m on Monday. The testing procedure will involve getting a small sample of blood from the person’s finger. Results are ready in 10 minutes.
A total of 36,455 individuals have been tested at the CLHD HIV/AIDS Program since June 5, 1985 and 488 have tested HIV positive. Out of those who have tested positive, 80% are male and 20% are female, and the impact of AIDS in women is growing rapidly especially young women under 25. At least half of the people becoming infected with HIV every year are under the age of 25. Last year, Hispanics/Latinos accounted for approximately 20% of all new diagnoses of HIV in the U.S
It is estimated that 280,000 people nationwide are HIV-positive, but are unaware of their status which is a primary contributor to the average of 55,000 new HIV infections every year in this country. Evidence shows that accessing HIV primary care services after receiving an HIV diagnosis improves the quality of life for a person as well as reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission. In addition the CLHD will also provide free primary medical care for those who test positive for HIV.
