KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | World AIDS Day spreads awareness
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An estimated 14,000 people around the world become infected with HIV every day. Tuesday activists, politicians and health officials re-affirmed their commitment to lowering that statistic.
World AIDS Day was started on December 1st, 1988 in the hopes of raising awareness and fighting prejudice.
Health officials believe there are about 33.2 million people around the world living with HIV, including 2.5 million children.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says a lot of work still needs to be done to prevent the spread of the virus. But, she says World AIDS Day is a time to recognize accomplishments and set new goals.
HIV transmission in the U.S. occurs primarily through unprotected sex and the sharing of needles for drug use. The only way for a person to know their HIV status is through a test.
"We know what our cholesterol levels are, we know what our blood pressure and our blood sugar levels are. That's standard procedure to know your health. Part of that is sexual health and that includes getting an HIV test," Western Colorado AIDS Project Executive Director Mary Beth Lubdtke explains.
The Western Colorado AIDS Project or WestCAP offers two walk in testing dates each month and can also take appointments.
WestCAP has a wealth of information about HIV/AIDS, testing and prevention. They also have a team of case managers who can help those who are living with HIV or AIDS. All of their services are confidential.
For more information, click on the associated link.
