The Jackson County Health Department would like to
remind the community that Friday, December 1, 2017 is the 30th Annual World AIDS Day. Every 9 ½ minutes, someone in the United States becomes infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. This year’s theme is “Increasing
Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships.” World
AIDS Day is a time to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS, support those who
are living with HIV, and to unite in the fight against HIV.
In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Jackson County Health Department encourages everyone in our community to get tested for HIV. In the United States, about 1 in 7 people who have HIV don’t know it. “If you are at risk for HIV, don’t guess — get a test,” said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., M.P.H, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. “The benefits are clear. Prompt diagnosis is prevention. It is the first step to protecting people living with HIV and their partners.” CDC recommends testing all people ages 13-64 for HIV at least once in
their lifetime, and people at higher risk for HIV at least annually. Healthcare
providers may find it beneficial to test some sexually active gay and bisexual
men more frequently (e.g., every three to six months)
We can all help to end the HIV epidemic by increasing
awareness, fighting stigma, getting tested, and starting treatment if positive. You’ve helped us fight HIV. Now, let’s end
it. This World AIDS Day, join the fight to end the negative impact of HIV.
- End isolation
- End stigma
- End HIV transmission
Free counseling and rapid HIV testing is offered at the
Jackson County Health Department located at 1715 Lansing Avenue, in Jackson,
Michigan. Nurses are available to
perform testing Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, please call the STD
Clinic at (517) 788-4477.
Additional information is available from the CDC.
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