In observance of 2011 National HIV Testing Day, the Harford County Health Department will offer anonymous, no-cost HIV testing on a walk-in basis on Monday, June 27, from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Health Services Division office on the top floor of 1 N. Main St. in Bel Air.
The department will also have free refreshments and other giveaways.
According to the health department, the National HIV Testing Day is designed to increase awareness among all populations and to encourage everyone to be tested.
Early diagnosis, testing and counseling are essential to appropriate care and treatment. An estimated 29,080 Marylanders are diagnosed and known to be living with HIV/AIDS and, according to CDC estimates, between 6,000 and 9,000 people in Maryland are HIV positive and don't know their status.
"Knowing your HIV status is the first step in taking control of your life," Cindy Dawson, director of the Harford County Health Department Health Services Division, said in a news release. "Getting appropriate care and medical management for HIV disease allows many individuals to lead full lives, working, raising their families and participating in our communities. Getting a positive HIV test result allows an individual to begin dealing with the disease and taking charge of his or her health. The Harford County Health Department offers a variety of services free of charge to individuals and families living with HIV including medical care for those who qualify."
According to the health department, Maryland ranked fourth among states and territories for the rate of people living AIDS in 2009. Nationally, the CDC estimated that 1.1 million adults were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2009, and 21 percent of them did not know their HIV status.
Over half of newly infected Americans are under the age of 25 and approximately 56,000 new infections occur each year in the United States. NHTD is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.
Many of the 300,000 Americans living with HIV do not think that they are at risk for this disease and some would rather not know. All could extend their lives simply by taking the HIV test, the health department press release states.
The Harford County Health Department offers free HIV testing throughout the year by appointment. Call 410-638-3060 for more details or to schedule an appointment if you are unable to take advantage of services June 27.
For more information, visit the Health Department website,www.harfordcountyhealth.com, or call 410-612-1771.