Wake County Human Services (WCHS) will offer free, confidential testing for HIV Saturday, June 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the DuBois Center, 536 N. Franklin St., Wake Forest. The testing is in observance of National HIV Testing Day, which is Sunday, June 27.
Risk-reduction counseling and testing information will be provided in both English and Spanish to all participants. In addition to HIV, participants will be tested for syphilis. Coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS and sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the theme for this year's event is "It's Better to Know."
The event hopes to attract individuals who are at-risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. "We want to reach people who have engaged in risk behaviors such as having sex without condoms and sharing needles," said Sharlene Simon, WCHS HIV/STD Community Programs manager.
In 2003, new HIV cases in Wake County increased to 229, up from 162 in 2002. The highest increase was for men, from 102 to 171 cases overall. Cases among men in their 30s in Wake County jumped 59 percent, and for men in their 40s, the 56 new cases represented a dramatic 124-percent increase. Women in their 30s, typically the childbearing years, saw the most significant increase in the number of cases for females from 2002 to 2003.
Nationally, the CDC estimates that between 850,000 and 950,000 Americans are living with HIV and nearly 180,000 to 280,000 are unaware of their HIV infection.
In addition to HIV, the blood samples from participants will also be screened for syphilis. In 1999, Wake County had 105 reported cases of syphilis. Through a targeted education, testing and treatment program, the number of syphilis cases dropped to 37 for 2003 in Wake County.
"Our program has been one of the CDC's three national demonstration projects for the elimination of syphilis," Simon said. "Through this effort, we hope to stem new infections and have seen a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of syphilis in Wake County."
Results from Saturday's tests will be available Saturday, July 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Individuals who are tested will return to the DuBois Center to receive their test results in person. Results cannot be given over the telephone. Anyone testing positive for HIV will be assigned a counselor to assist him or her with HIV education, treatment information and emotional support.
Individuals who wish to be tested but are unable to attend Saturday's event may receive free, confidential testing at different locations throughout Wake County. For information — available 24 hours a day — on Wake County HIV-testing sites, call 250-3950, or you may call 250-4510 during business hours.