KNOW YOUR STATUS: WHY HIV TESTING IS CRUCIAL

HIV in the United States continues to be a major public health crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.1 million Americans are living with the virus, and one out of five people with HIV don’t even know that they have it.

Local Numbers
According to the HIV Aids Surveillance Program, Lucas County has the fifth highest HIV rate in the state of Ohio. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:
514 people living in Lucas County were infected with HIV in 2015.
477 of those infected locally were living with Aids in 2015.
46% of the people currently living with HIV/Aids in Lucas County are African American.

Emerging Issues in HIV
As the number of people living with HIV increases, and more people become aware of their HIV status, prevention strategies targeted at HIV-infected individuals are becoming more important. Measures include connecting patients to treatment; increasing access to HIV prevention interventions; and providing preventative services for patients’ partners.

Unfortunately, there is no cure or vaccine to prevent HIV, though clinical trials are currently taking place worldwide. Learn more here.

However, there are numerous resources to assist individuals affected by HIV/Aids in maintaining a healthy, normal life. NHA offers free and confidential HIV/STD testing. Know your status, talk to a Community Health Worker or health care provider if you have any questions, and always practice responsible sex habits.

Please visit www.nhainc.org or call 419.255.7883 to set up an appointment for testing.