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State HIV
Campaign Targets Hispanics |
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In concert with National
HIV Testing Day on Wednesday, a statewide campaign is using Spanish radio to
encourage Hispanics in Northern Virginia to get tested and know their HIV
status.
In Northern Virginia, Hispanics comprise 11 percent of the population
reported to have HIV, a "higher percentage than any other part of the
state," said Kathryn Hafford, acting director of the state health
department's division of disease prevention. "If you watch the trend over
the years, the numbers have been consistently going up. The numbers are
small, just a few cases each year, but we are seeing it going up."
The $50,000 campaign seeks to further the idea that people who are not in
high-risk groups should still get tested. "There are many people out there
who are HIV-infected and don't know it. The prediction is one in four people
with HIV doesn't know it. That translates to 7,000 Virginians," said Lucy
Caldwell, state health department spokesperson.
The statewide effort is focusing on urban areas and minorities.
"Historically, these populations have more difficult access to care and are
underserved," said Hafford. "And they are disproportionately affected by HIV
in comparison to the white population."
On Wednesday, numerous organizations in Northern Virginia will offer free
HIV testing.
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Washington Post
(06.24.07):: Christy Goodman
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We are providing the above information as a public
service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay
media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases
does not constitute endorsement. The above summaries were prepared
without conducting any additional research or investigation into the
facts and statements made in the articles being summarized, and
therefore readers are expressly cautioned against relying on the
validity or invalidity of any statements made in these summaries. This
CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News
Update also includes information from CDC and
other government agencies, such as background on MMWR articles, fact
sheets and announcements. |
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