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For Release Thursday 26th
June, 2002 |
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR |
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PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038 |
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL—Early detection of HIV and subsequent treatment can help prolong a person’s life. National HIV Testing Day is Thursday, June 27, 2002 and with many locations ready to offer free testing individuals can take control of their future.
In Palm Beach County there have been about 2,000 individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) since tracking the disease began in 1997. HIV is the virus, which causes AIDS. According to Lou Reiter, Early Intervention Consultant for the Palm Beach County Health Department, “It’s important for people to know their HIV status because there is help available and with this help people can live fairly normal and active lives.”
Persons with HIV are found throughout the community as it has infected persons from teens through adult, and both men and women. Those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners or use injection drugs are among those at highest risk for contracting HIV.
Reiter said, “I hope all will take advantage of the free tests on the 27th, it could save a life.” Information on HIV and AIDS as well as test sites can be obtained through the Crisis Line at 211 or from the Florida AIDS Hotline at 1-800-352-2437.
DOH partners with hundreds of county health departments, community-based organizations and faith-based agencies to provide convenient test result appointment times and locations to ensure people return for test results and counseling. While it is important on HIV Testing Day to make testing accessible and available to as many people as possible, it is equally important to provide high-quality prevention counseling and risk assessment to ensure that those tested learn their HIV status.
Once people learn they are infected with HIV, they are linked directly into primary medical care, social support systems and other services that can help them live long, productive lives. According to Liberti, despite the bureau’s best efforts, some people are “lost” to care for extended periods after their initial test. This is especially true for minority populations.
The Bureau of HIV/AIDS has implemented a number of initiatives to reach minorities. These include the Minority AIDS Initiative, which consists of eight funded projects around the state; and a media campaign to raise awareness of free or low cost medications eligible persons may receive through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
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