Free gas card offered for those receiving HIV test results this Friday
(PALM SPRINGS, CA – June 24, 2008)
Between 180,000 and 280,000 people nationwide are HIV-positive but unaware of it, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Encouraging at-risk individuals to receive voluntary HIV counseling and testing is the mission of National HIV Testing Day, marked this year on June 27 by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA.)
In combination with NAPWA’s nationwide Mayors Campaign Against HIV, the City of Palm Springs and Mayor Steve Pougnet have joined Desert AIDS Project in urging local residents to get a free and confidential HIV test. This Friday, anyone who waits 20 minutes for their test results will also receive a $20 gas card when they get tested at either D.A.P. location in Palm Springs or Indio from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Palm Springs location is at 1695 N. Sunrise and the Indio location is at 82-365 Highway 111, Suite 100.
“Knowing your HIV status is truly a case of ‘knowledge is power’ because getting into care as quickly as possible following a diagnosis as positive can help to determine a healthier future. Once diagnosed, the counseling we can provide will help people with HIV to take steps to protect their own health and that of their partners,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “But working to prevent new infections through education and outreach is also a primary goal for D.A.P. Just as we care for those with HIV and AIDS, we want to help those who test negative to remain uninfected.”
Desert AIDS Project reaches out to communities at increased risk for HIV infection, including people of color and women. Each of these groups is disproportionately infected with HIV compared to other demographic groups in the U.S.
Women’s issues surrounding HIV and AIDS can be significant, according to Dr. Shubha Kerkar, Infectious Diseases Specialist and a member of 100 Women, a major donor group of D.A.P. “Women tend to get tested much later than men. They are diagnosed and started on treatment at a later stage compared to men. They may access care late compared to men. Women tend to be sicker than men when they are diagnosed. As a result, HIV is taking a devastating toll on women,” said Dr. Kerkar. “I hope each woman aspires to gain knowledge about this virus by getting tested, reaching out, and spreading the word.”
Brinkman adds, “No matter how identified by race, culture, gender, socio-economic group, sexuality, or other criteria, HIV and AIDS is a health concern for everyone worldwide. The most effective way for us, as an AIDS service organization, to deal with the problem is to tend to our immediately-surrounding populations by offering care to the infected while helping the uninfected to stay that way.”
Desert AIDS Project offers free and confidential, rapid-result HIV test throughout the year, Monday – Saturday at various locations throughout the desert cities. Anyone interested in knowing more, can visit D.A.P.’s website at www.desertaidsproject.org where they will find a listing of testing times and locations at the bottom of every page. Those without Internet access can call 760-323-2118 for testing times and locations.
D.A.P. is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118. |
