It was in 1986 that AIDS became a widely publicized disease known to strike homosexual men and intravenous drug users. The word most often used to describe AIDS was “deadly,” because there was no cure or effective treatment, and patients often died within months of diagnosis. Then the disease began to spread among women and the general population. A brief glimpse at statistics over the years shows how dramatically the AIDS epidemic among women has grown in this country. In 1981, when AIDS was called “GRIDS” for gay-related immunodeficiency syndrome, six cases of AIDS were reported in American women. A year later that number was up to 52; within another year it had quadrupled. In 1986, nearly 2,000 women in the United States had been diagnosed with AIDS. By 1989, the number exceeded 10,000. And by 1993, that number had quadrupled again.
Breakthroughs in treatments combined with increased awareness in methods of prevention began to slow the spread of the disease in the late 1990’s. For many the disease moved from the headlines and out of mind. Unfortunately the disease has never gone away and there is no cure for AIDS. Treatment only works if someone knows they are infected. After a decrease in cases for several years, healthcare professionals are cautioning that the disease may be growing or about to grow again because Americans are not aware of the problem and are not getting tested.
There is no cure for AIDS and treatment only works if someone knows they are infected. After a decrease in cases for several years, healthcare professionals are cautioning that the disease may be growing or about to grow again because Americans are not aware of the problem and not getting tested.
Misinformation about HIV/AIDS, along with cultural stigma and discrimination, is one of the greatest challenges that we must overcome to prevent further spread of the epidemic and improve the lives of people living with HIV. By getting tested, learning more about HIV and how to prevent transmission, and being tolerant towards people living with HIV/AIDS, everyone can make a contribution to the fight against AIDS.
We provide anonymous, rapid (20 minutes for results) HIV testing in the home or another private location. There is no need to go to a public clinic or wait for results. If tests show you don't have HIV, you can learn how to stay HIV-free. If tests show you do have HIV, you can get medical care right away to help you.
Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV--and testing is the first step to getting medical care, counseling, and support if you need it. If you are worried that you could be infected, you should get a test as soon as possible. If you want to reduce your risk of becoming infected, use condoms and always ensure that your partner gets tested as well.
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