Encourage all Pennsylvanians to ‘Know Your Status’
As part of the Dec. 1 observance of World AIDS Day, Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin Johnson and Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman today urged Pennsylvanians to be tested for HIV – the virus that causes AIDS. They also highlighted ongoing efforts to educate the public about the disease and how it is prevented.
“Our message is clear: regardless of your personal background, age, ethnicity or race, being tested for HIV is the only sure way to know your status and to protect your health,” said Dr. Johnson. “To effectively address HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania, we are working to educate the public and ensure that prevention, testing, treatment, and counseling services are readily available across the state.”
“Every 15 minutes, one American becomes infected with HIV, proving that no one is immune to the AIDS epidemic,” said Secretary Richman. “While there are programs and services available to help those who need it most, we must recognize first and foremost that we are still without a cure. We urge all Pennsylvanians to be vigilant and get tested and treated as early as possible.”
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system and may be passed from person to person through the blood and some bodily fluids. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, and through breast-feeding.
Established by the World Health Organization and observed each year on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day aims to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. In the United States more than one million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 40,000 new infections diagnosed each year -- one in four of which is among women. In Pennsylvania, 1,492 new HIV infections were reported during 2006.
The Department of Health coordinates statewide HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs and administers activities through contracts with county and municipal health departments and other agencies. Through these programs, confidential HIV testing and counseling services are offered at locations across Pennsylvania. Some locations offer rapid HIV tests that can provide results in less than 30 minutes.
The Department of Public Welfare helps low and moderate income individuals and families through the special pharmaceutical benefits program, or SPBP, to pay for specific drug therapies to treat HIV/AIDS. Through SPBP, Pennsylvanians earning less than $35,000 per year with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis could be eligible to receive services and support through the program.
For more information about specific state programs and initiatives, visit www.health.state.pa.us or www.dpw.state.pa.us. Information is also available, toll-free, by calling 1-800-662-6080.
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