From the Harford County Health Department:
In observance of the 2015 National HIV Testing Day, the Harford County Health Department will offer anonymous, no-cost HIV testing on a “walk-in” basis on Friday, June 26, 2015, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 pm at the Health Services Division office located on the top floor of 1 North Main Street in Bel Air.
The National HIV Testing Day observance draws awareness among all populations and encourages everyone to be tested. According to the national Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, there are an estimated 29,477 Marylanders diagnosed and known to be living with HIV/AIDS, while another 15.8% of those who are HIV positive remain undiagnosed, and are not aware of their status. All could benefit simply by taking the HIV test, since early diagnosis, testing and counseling are critical to obtaining appropriate care.
Cindy Dawson, RN, Director of the Harford County Health Department Health Services Division, reminds the public that, “Any individuals who have never been tested, have had any type of unprotected sexual contact or shared a needle for any reason in their lifetime are strongly encouraged to take an HIV test.
People living with HIV without receiving treatment may not experience symptoms of AIDS for ten or more years and 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 and raising their families. Knowledge of a positive HIV test result allows individuals to begin dealing with the disease and taking charge of their health.”
“All of us envision a day when Harford County has no new HIV infection,” states Harford County Health Officer Susan Kelly. “Knowledge is power, and HIV counseling and testing provides everyone with the power to protect their own health as well as the health of their partners.”
The Harford County Health Department offers free HIV testing throughout the year by appointment as well as a variety of services free of charge to individuals and families living with HIV, including medical care for those who qualify. 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.
My name is Shantell Omen, i am from England, i am 35 years old and i have been married for 6 years, last year i was having some changes in my body which got me scared, i had to see my doctor to know whats going on, so when i saw the my doctor, i was shocked with the awful news which i was told, i was told that i am a HIV positive, i was so cold, confused and don’t know where to start from, suddenly tears drop from my eyes because i know i have not slept another man only my husband, i went home and could not say a word to anyone for on week, i locked myself, i could not do anything, until one morning i called my husband and i had a word with him and i told him what i discovered then he confessed to me that he had unprotected sex with a lady and he never knew the lady had the virus and he too never knew he has been infected also, i was mad at him but there was nothing i could do because the did has been done, i began to search for help from different places praying to God bring me a healer and behold God answered my prayer, i one Sunday morning i was going through a site where i saw a comment of a lady who had HIV for 6 years and was healed by (Dr.robinsonbuckler@)(yahoo.)com and i had to contact this man to cure me from this deadly virus and a week later God answered my prayer, i and my husband was healed from the same Dr.Robinson buckler since then i am back to my feet and my life is moving smoothly again, i cant stop giving my testimony, and i can stop praising this man for restoring my life.