Getting tested for HIV and AIDS can be tough, especially with the nerves and anticipation that can be involved. But the state health department and the Booker T. Washington Community Center are teaming up today to make it easier for anyone who wants the peace of mind that comes with testing.
Photo provided
Shon Workman, a CDC biologist, works in a biological safety cabinet to conduct an HIV/AIDS blood test. Workman is a staff member of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs and TB Prevention.
Shon Workman, a CDC biologist, works in a biological safety cabinet to conduct an HIV/AIDS blood test. Workman is a staff member of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs and TB Prevention.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the state Department of Health is offering free, anonymous HIV testing for anyone who is interested. The screening clinic is being held in collaboration with National Black HIV/AIDS Day, a countrywide event that will take place Thursday, and is funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention.
Anyone will be able to have a walk-in test, and no appointments will be necessary. Results are available the same day, and both pre and post-test counseling will be available.
“It is completely anonymous,” said Deanna Hoey of the Cayuga County Department of Health, who has been working to promote today's event. “You just come in, and then go into a separate room.”
But it will not be the first time free, anonymous testing has been available in Cayuga County. In fact, the state health department offers similar testing by appointment in Auburn every month. It is just not very well-publicized, Hoey said.
“I think it is catching on, but I think it is just going to be slow here in the county,” she said of the monthly free testing.
Hopefully, the fact that appointments are not needed for today's and national publicity from the day of HIV/AIDS awareness will draw a lot more people, she added.
“There is going to be so much publicity around National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,” Hoey said. “Maybe someone will see that and think ‘Is there somewhere in Auburn where I can go? And there is.”
Started in 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is held every Feb. 7. The goal of the day is to increase reporting of accurate statistics about the HIV and AIDS epidemic among African American communities; encourage more collaboration and sharing of resources at both the local and national level; increase resources and support for health departments, community based organizations and stakeholders serving African American communities; and encouraging those at high risk for HIV to receive HIV counseling and testing, according to the event Web site www.blackaidsday.org.
While HIV and AIDS affect people of all races, creeds and colors, the numbers among African American communities are alarming, according to www.blackaidsday.org. The CDC reports that of the 37,331 newly diagnosed cases of HIV and AIDS in 2005, 18,121 (49 percent) were African American men and women.
However, HIV and AIDS do no discriminate, and anyone today will be able to take a one of the approximately 10-minute tests today.
Hoey said that getting tested is not only important for peace of mine. It helps to protect the entire community, she said.
“It is a very hidden disease, and a lot of people who have it do not know,” Hoey said. “It is important for people who have it to know. Once you know, you can go about protecting yourself and others.”
And when more people know that the option is available for free, anonymous testing, more people will utilize it, she added.
“A lot of this is just allowing people to know there is an option, because some people don't know anyone to ask, and others do not want to ask if they do,” Hoey said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
Anyone will be able to have a walk-in test, and no appointments will be necessary. Results are available the same day, and both pre and post-test counseling will be available.
“It is completely anonymous,” said Deanna Hoey of the Cayuga County Department of Health, who has been working to promote today's event. “You just come in, and then go into a separate room.”
But it will not be the first time free, anonymous testing has been available in Cayuga County. In fact, the state health department offers similar testing by appointment in Auburn every month. It is just not very well-publicized, Hoey said.
“I think it is catching on, but I think it is just going to be slow here in the county,” she said of the monthly free testing.
Hopefully, the fact that appointments are not needed for today's and national publicity from the day of HIV/AIDS awareness will draw a lot more people, she added.
“There is going to be so much publicity around National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,” Hoey said. “Maybe someone will see that and think ‘Is there somewhere in Auburn where I can go? And there is.”
Started in 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is held every Feb. 7. The goal of the day is to increase reporting of accurate statistics about the HIV and AIDS epidemic among African American communities; encourage more collaboration and sharing of resources at both the local and national level; increase resources and support for health departments, community based organizations and stakeholders serving African American communities; and encouraging those at high risk for HIV to receive HIV counseling and testing, according to the event Web site www.blackaidsday.org.
While HIV and AIDS affect people of all races, creeds and colors, the numbers among African American communities are alarming, according to www.blackaidsday.org. The CDC reports that of the 37,331 newly diagnosed cases of HIV and AIDS in 2005, 18,121 (49 percent) were African American men and women.
However, HIV and AIDS do no discriminate, and anyone today will be able to take a one of the approximately 10-minute tests today.
Hoey said that getting tested is not only important for peace of mine. It helps to protect the entire community, she said.
“It is a very hidden disease, and a lot of people who have it do not know,” Hoey said. “It is important for people who have it to know. Once you know, you can go about protecting yourself and others.”
And when more people know that the option is available for free, anonymous testing, more people will utilize it, she added.
“A lot of this is just allowing people to know there is an option, because some people don't know anyone to ask, and others do not want to ask if they do,” Hoey said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
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