Take the test, take control: National HIV Testing Day is June 27

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - National HIV Testing Day is set for Friday, June 27, 2003, and at a time when local HIV infection rates are increasing in some groups, Public Health - Seattle & King County is urging testing for everyone at risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

"Many, many people with HIV in King County are unaware that they are infected," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We are in the midst of a King County campaign to raise awareness around HIV and AIDS issues. People with a history of HIV risk behavior should take control of their lives by testing for HIV."

Knowledge of one's HIV serostatus is one of the most important prevention tools. Several thousand King County residents and an estimated quarter of a million people in the United States have HIV infection, but do not know it. If tested, the knowledge gained could save their life and the lives of those they care about.

When individuals know of their HIV infection, they can obtain care and medications to keep themselves healthy and well for years. In addition, when persons with HIV infection know they are infected, they can take steps to avoid passing the infection to others.

"Regular and frequent HIV testing is of the utmost importance for men who have sex with men, injection drug users, and others in our community at higher risk for HIV infection," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "HIV testing, paired with consistent condom use and disclosure of HIV status to partners, is key to preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases."

Testing on National HIV Testing Day

"HIV tests are highly accurate and better than ever before," said Dr. Bob Wood, Director of Public Health's HIV/AIDS Program. "Testing usually involves a simple blood draw, but can now be done in a variety of ways, including tests on oral fluids and rapid testing using a finger stick drop of blood."

For information about HIV testing or to make an appointment, call Public Health's HIV/STD Hotline at 206-205-7837. Information is also available at: www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/resources/testing.htm

POCAAN (People of Color Against AIDS Network) will offer free, anonymous, HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day as part of their van-based HIV Testing outreach program. Testing will be available on June 27 at the following locations and times:

23rd & Union, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., at the Casey Family Services
23rd & Jackson, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Safeco Center
Columbia Plaza (Columbia City), Rainier & Alaska, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Community Appreciation, starting at 8:30 p.m., at the Safari Club, 5023 Rainier Ave. South.

For more information about POCAAN's HIV testing program, call Phyllis Little at 206-322-7061 or look online at: www.pocaan.org

Increasing rates

HIV infection rates have remained at high levels among some communities in King County, particularly gay/bisexual men, African Americans and Latinos.

Among gay men tested for HIV by Public Health, the number of newly identified HIV-positive individuals in 2002 increased by 40% from 2000 and 2001. If this year's trends continue, another 60% increase could be seen in 2003. Dramatic increases have also been seen in self-reported HIV risk taking.

Additionally, local syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia rates have climbed among gay and bisexual men. HIV is much more easily transmitted with the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Fifteen percent of the estimated 8,400 persons with HIV currently living in King County are African American, while African Americans make up only 6% of the county's population. Similarly, 8% of persons currently living with HIV in King County are Latinos, while Latinos make up 5% of the population.

HIV rates among African-American women are even more disproportionate. African-American women are nearly 15 times more likely to be infected with HIV than white women. Latina and Native American women are also disproportionately infected with HIV when compared to white women.

Public Health - Seattle & King County began providing anonymous and confidential HIV testing in 1985, and has expanded these efforts, particularly for gay and bisexual men, injection drug users and people of color. In addition to the STD Clinic at Harborview Medical Center and other Public Health clinics, Public Health staff provides HIV counseling and testing at local correctional facilities, community partner sites and other outreach venues.

HIV is a lifelong infection and the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). All people infected with HIV can spread it to others through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and donating blood or organs. Infected mothers can also spread HIV to newborns, although modern treatments practically eliminate vertical transmission.

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