National HIV Testing Day :: Free HIV Testing - June 27, 2002
BINGHAMTON, NY - In support of the 8th annual National HIV Testing Day, the Broome County Health Department will be offering free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing on Thursday, June 27th, 2002, from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Health Department at 225 Front Street, Binghamton. No appointment is needed, and walk-ins are welcome.
More than 300,000 Americans are unaware that they are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition to the 142,376 cumulative AIDS cases in New York State reported through June 2000, 16,866 additional HIV and AIDS cases were confirmed since reporting of HIV infection began in June 2000. Data from the New York State Health Department indicates that 28% (4,722) of the 16,866 HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed from June to December 2000 were from counties outside of New York City. In Broome County, an additional 42 HIV/AIDS cases were reported during this same six-month period, bringing the cumulative total as of December 2000 for Broome County to 252, a 20% increase. New treatments are helping those living with HIV to enjoy longer lives. But to receive those treatments, individuals must first know whether they are infected with HIV.
The goal of the 8th annual National HIV Testing Day Campaign is to educate the public about HIV counseling and testing, and to encourage people to learn their HIV status by participating in anonymous and confidential HIV testing and counseling programs.
If you have ever had unprotected sex or shared needles, you should consider getting an anonymous or confidential HIV test. National HIV Testing Day is supported locally by the Broome County Health Department, and the HIV Care Network. For more information contact the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2839. Take the Test, Take Control. Get tested for HIV.
CONTACT:
Nancy McGraw, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.2802
email: nmcgraw@co.broome.ny.us.com
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