Business Wire - Tuesday, June 8, 1999
During this week, more than 68 county-sponsored clinics will offer testing and prevention counseling for extended hours. The goal is to test those at most risk for HIV.
Los Angeles County is second only to New York City in the number of cases of HIV and AIDS. The cumulative number of cases in Los Angeles have surpassed those of San Francisco.
Nearly 25,000 men, women and children have already died of AIDS, and approximately another 40,000 are living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles. In addition, there are an estimated 16,000 women and men who are HIV-positive in Los Angeles and do not know it.
Many do not find out their HIV status until they already have symptoms for AIDS. Research in Los Angeles indicates that there is an overall low level of early HIV detection among younger age groups, people of color, women, heterosexuals and persons of lower educational levels. Early detection and early treatment is important.
Recent advances in the medical treatment of HIV infection and AIDS resulted in a significant drop in AIDS-related deaths in Los Angeles County. The availability of more effective treatment has made it increasingly important that HIV-infected persons be diagnosed and linked to medical care and other support services as soon as possible after infection.
Early HIV diagnosis can provide an incentive to take precautions to prevent re-infection, transmission of the virus to others, allow for informed decision making regarding childbearing, and can be used as an opportunity to notify partners of the need to be tested.
For all the good news of successful new HIV/AIDS treatments, cold facts remain. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV. Medications do not work universally. Medical care is unavailable to many in need. Care is ever more complex and requires increased mental health, substance abuse and housing services.
The numbers of newly infected people continue to grow even as people with HIV live longer, creating more need for services. Therefore, it is crucial, now more than ever, for those who test for HIV to return for their results and link into needed services.
This year, the L.A. County Office of AIDS Programs and Policy is stressing the importance of linking individuals into additional needed health and social services such as treatment, prevention and support.
The promoting of HIV Testing Week, June 21-27, lets county residents know that HIV transmission is an increasing health risk in Los Angeles. Also, it will help those at risk access the free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing offered all year round. For more information and a list of testing sites, call the statewide multilingual referral line, 800/367-AIDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For a complete list of the testing sites participating in the campaign, call Julie Watt at 310/229-5955.
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CONTACT: BBPR Inc. Julie Watt, 310/229-5955, 310/229-5975 (fax)
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