Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Examiner - June 28, 2006
Meghan Shapiro
"It is important for everyone to know their status so you don't affect others," said Kevin Coger, city Health Department spokesman. He stressed early detection and treatment, and ongoing care.
In addition to testing at various clinics, the health department helped screen more than 20 people at a health fair at the New Psalmist Baptist Church, where officials tested for HIV and syphilis. Representatives from the Cancer Prevention Program, National Kidney Foundation and Joseph Richey Hospice handed out free pamphlets and other information along with the testing.
In 2004 the Baltimore/Towson area had the fifth-highest incidence of reported AIDS cases of any major metropolitan area, according to the Maryland AIDS Administration. There were 32.8 cases per every 100,000 people.
Providing clean needles has helped, said Coger, who also works for the Needle Exchange Program. "Ten years ago, you couldn't walk around Baltimore City without seeing syringes. The streets are now safer and people are getting educated."
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