Few takers for free HIV testing
By, Dalton Daily Citizen, June 1, 2007
An estimated 180,000 to 280,000 Americans have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and are not aware of it, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health officials across the United States are trying to emphasize HIV testing, especially for those in high-risk groups. But a local event Friday may have demonstrated just how reluctant some people are to get tested.
The North Georgia Health District invited numerous political leaders and prominent Dalton-area residents to the Whitfield County Health Department for “Take Time to Test for HIV.” They were asked to be publicly tested to demonstrate that routine HIV testing is the right thing to do.
“We are trying to encourage local leaders to be an example to the community in taking care of their health,” said Amy Holcombe, HIV prevention coordinator for the North Georgia Health District.
But more than an hour into the two-hour event, just a handful of people had shown up.
HIV testing can be done by drawing blood or, as it was Friday, by using an oral swab.
Before either test is done, patients will undergo counseling with a trained HIV counselor.
“They are trying to help people taking the test identify their risk factors,” Holcombe said.
Some of those risk factors include unprotected sex, sharing needles and multiple sex partners.
“You may not do those things, but if your partner does, that also puts you at risk,” Holcombe said.
The pre-test counseling typically takes 10-20 minutes. The actual test takes just a couple of minutes. It costs $20 at the health department.
“If you don’t have the money, the health department will work something out with you. They won’t let you leave without a test,” Holcombe said.
June 27 will be National HIV Testing Day, and free HIV testing will be offered at the health department and the Dalton Community Center on Frederick Street.
“We would like to be in other places. If someone is interested in having us come and do free testing, give us a call,” Holcombe said.
The CDC recommends that everyone 13 and older be tested for HIV, especially if they have one or more risk factors such as having had unprotected sex.
Holcombe said health officials may get results of a test back within 48 hours, but it could also take several days.
After patients gets those results back, health care officials recommend they go through another period of counseling.
Source: http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/local/local_story_152230551.html
An estimated 180,000 to 280,000 Americans have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and are not aware of it, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health officials across the United States are trying to emphasize HIV testing, especially for those in high-risk groups. But a local event Friday may have demonstrated just how reluctant some people are to get tested.
The North Georgia Health District invited numerous political leaders and prominent Dalton-area residents to the Whitfield County Health Department for “Take Time to Test for HIV.” They were asked to be publicly tested to demonstrate that routine HIV testing is the right thing to do.
“We are trying to encourage local leaders to be an example to the community in taking care of their health,” said Amy Holcombe, HIV prevention coordinator for the North Georgia Health District.
But more than an hour into the two-hour event, just a handful of people had shown up.
HIV testing can be done by drawing blood or, as it was Friday, by using an oral swab.
Before either test is done, patients will undergo counseling with a trained HIV counselor.
“They are trying to help people taking the test identify their risk factors,” Holcombe said.
Some of those risk factors include unprotected sex, sharing needles and multiple sex partners.
“You may not do those things, but if your partner does, that also puts you at risk,” Holcombe said.
The pre-test counseling typically takes 10-20 minutes. The actual test takes just a couple of minutes. It costs $20 at the health department.
“If you don’t have the money, the health department will work something out with you. They won’t let you leave without a test,” Holcombe said.
June 27 will be National HIV Testing Day, and free HIV testing will be offered at the health department and the Dalton Community Center on Frederick Street.
“We would like to be in other places. If someone is interested in having us come and do free testing, give us a call,” Holcombe said.
The CDC recommends that everyone 13 and older be tested for HIV, especially if they have one or more risk factors such as having had unprotected sex.
Holcombe said health officials may get results of a test back within 48 hours, but it could also take several days.
After patients gets those results back, health care officials recommend they go through another period of counseling.
Source: http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/local/local_story_152230551.html
posted by AIDS-Care-Watch at 11:28 am
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