Letter to the Editor

Letter: On AIDS Day, Embrace Vision of HIV-Free Generation

Shayne Moore of Wheaton writes to encourage people to become more informed about how self-testing could work in DuPage County on World AIDS Day.

Every year on December 1, many people stop to reflect on World AIDS Day – to remember those who have died from AIDS, to support those living with HIV, and to recommit ourselves to doing what we can to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  This year there is a loud message that and HIV-free generation is within our grasp, but the overwhelming call is for more money.  While we agree that funding is vital to getting people on treatment that evidence shows is critical for decreasing HIV-transmission risk, we also see that HIV-testing is often overlooked.  This is unfortunate, as testing is also critical to being able to identify who needs treatment as well as to confirm to those without HIV of their status and how to stay that way.  Here in DuPage …

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DuPage County to Offer Free HIV Testing

The tests will be given Oct. 14 to bring attention to National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.

The  DuPage County Health Department encourages individuals to know their HIV status and get tested. To make that possible, the health department is offering free HIV testing on Friday, Oct. 14, to bring attention to National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. The free HIV testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Health Department’s office at 245 W. Roosevelt Rd., Building 14, in West Chicago. Spanish speaking HIV counselors will be present to answer questions and conduct the testing. Early knowledge of HIV status provides access to life-extending treatment options, according to the county. Locally, individuals may be tested for HIV through a number of options including doctors’ offices, home-test kits and the health department’s …

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Charlotte Eriksen

3:09 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I was a bit surprised too actually.   more ›