Taking control over the HIV epidemic

Contacts
Erin Meyer
(314) 531-7526, ext. 336
erin.meyer@ppslr.org
Published: 08.18.08

TAKING CONTROL OVER THE HIV EPIDEMIC
Putting sexual health first with HIV screenings

  WHAT:  Free HIV testing for the St. Louis area community

  WHEN:  Thursday, September 4,
              and the first Thursday of every month
              Call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment

  WHERE: Any of the six Planned Parenthood
              of the St. Louis Region health centers

A recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) report reveals alarming numbers concerning HIV infection statistics.  The CDC now estimates that in 2006, 56,300 people became infected with HIV, significantly higher than the previous estimate of 40,000 people.  The report also highlights that HIV infection has its greatest impact among African-American men and women, and among gay and bisexual men of all races.

“These new statistics highlight the need for expanded HIV prevention services,” says Paula Gianino, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region. “And should serve as a wake-up call that the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over for any age group, gender or ethnicity.”

Approximately one out of four people with HIV do not know they are infected, and testing is the only way to tell.  Planned Parenthood offers free HIV testing the first Thursday of every month.  The tests are a normal part of healthcare and every individual is encouraged to participate in regular screenings to take control of their sexual health.

For more information, call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit plannedparenthood.org/stlouis.