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The Department of Health STD/HIV/TB Program will host a series of activities beginning Friday, June 22nd as part of activities in commemoration of national and regional HIV testing day activities.
National HIV Testing Day is observed annually on June 27 and Regional Testing, observed by CARICOM or Caribbean Community islands, is celebrated on June 29.
The theme for National HIV Testing Day is “Take the Test. Take Control” and staff from the STD/HIV/TB Program will work with local businesses and communities, including area nightclubs and housing communities, to provide free screening services.
Regional Testing Day is being sponsored in conjunction with Scotia Bank and CARICOM, which includes the islands of Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago, among the 15-member alliance. The theme is “Bring a Friend – Take a Test.”
Acting Health Commissioner Darice Plaskett urges residents to take advantage of the free and convenient testing with rapid results.
Statistics show that nearly 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV infection and in the Virgin Islands, about 563 are living with HIV infection.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Those at risk, to include those with multiple sexual partners, should be tested at least annually.
Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. has proclaimed June 27th national HIV Testing Day in the Virgin Islands.
“Early HIV testing reduces the spread of disease, extends life expectancy and reduces medical costs,” de Jongh wrote in his Proclamation. “Early testing and diagnosis are key to prevention as treatment has the most impact when HIV is identified early.”
Educational materials on HIV infection risk and prevention will be distributed at all testing sites.
The activities include:
St. Thomas-St. John district (Testing Education)
Friday June 22, 2012
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. –Club 75
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Club Oasis
Friday, June 29, 2012
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Havensight Mall
St. Croix
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Mutual Homes housing community
Friday, June 29, 2012
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Amphitheater
For more information on these activities call 773-1311, Ext. 3063 on St. Croix 773-3168 in the St. Thomas-St. John district. |
