No-Cost HIV Testing Offered By Harford Health Department

From the Harford County Health Department:

In observance of 2010 National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), the Harford County Health Department will offer anonymous, no-cost HIV testing on a “walk-in” basis on Monday, June 28, 2010, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m at the Health Services Division office located on the top floor of 1 North Main Street in Bel Air. In conjunction with this service, the Department will have free refreshments, door prizes, and many other giveaways.

“Knowledge is power, and HIV counseling and testing provides each one of us with the power to protect our own health and the health of our partners, said John M. Colmers, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary. “All of us envision a day when Maryland has no new HIV infections.”

The National HIV Testing Day observance is designed to increase awareness among all populations and to encourage everyone to be tested. Early diagnosis, testing and counseling are essential to appropriate care and treatment. There are an estimated 29,000 Marylanders diagnosed and known to be living with HIV/AIDS and, according to CDC estimates, there are between 6,000 to 9,000 people in Maryland who are HIV positive and don’t know their status.

Maryland ranked fifth among states and territories for the rate of people living AIDS in 2007. Nationally, the CDC estimated that 1.1 million adults were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2006, and 21 percent of them did not know their HIV status. Over half of newly infected Americans are under the age of 25 and approximately 40,000 new infections occur each year in the United States. NHTD is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.

Ms. Patricia Balducci, Director of the Harford County Health Department Health Services Division, reminds the public that, “Knowing your HIV status is the first step in taking control of your life. Getting appropriate care and medical management for HIV disease allows many individuals to lead full lives, working, raising their families, and participating in our communities. Getting a positive HIV test result allows an individual to begin dealing with the disease and taking charge of his or her health. The Harford County Health Department offers a variety of services free of charge to individuals and families living with HIV including medical care for those who qualify.”

Many of the 300,000 Americans living with HIV do not think that they are at risk for this disease and some would rather not know. All could extend their lives simply by taking the HIV test. Any individuals who have never been tested, have had any type of unprotected sexual contact or shared a needle for any reason since their last test are strongly encouraged to take an HIV test. Since persons living with the HIV virus who are not receiving treatment can do so without experiencing any symptoms of AIDS for ten years or more, it is especially important to be tested. Says Ms. Balducci, simply, “Take the test and take control.”

As always, the Harford County Health Department offers free HIV testing throughout the year by appointment. Contact 410-638-3060 for more details or to schedule an appointment if you are unable to visit us on June 28th.

For additional information, contact the Harford County Health Department Division of Health Services at 410-638-3060 or visit the Health Department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com or call 410-612-1781.