TEST PALM BEACH COUNTY KICK-OFF WITH NATIONAL CLINICIANS HIV/AIDS TESTING AND AWARENESS DAY

    PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL—July 21, 2012 is designated as National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. This is an important opportunity for all healthcare professionals to get personally involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS, even if they are not currently involved in HIV/AIDS patient care.

On Friday, July 20th, The Palm Beach County Health Department in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Medical Society will host a TEST PALM BEACH COUNTY press conference to showcase this innovative county wide initiative to help end the spread of HIV/AIDS at 10 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Medical Society - 3540 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 101, West Palm Beach, 33406. Speakers include Palm Beach County Health Department Director Alina Alonso, M.D., Maureen Whelihan, M.D. of Palm Beach Medical Society, Jose Menajovsky, M.D., an infectious disease specialist with emphasis on HIV Management, Rob Scott, Early Intervention Consultant and Metris Batts, Minority HIV/AIDS Coordinator and other practitioners who will discuss today’s testing and treatment options.

According to the Florida Department of Health, currently there are approximately 100,000 people in the state (almost 8,000 of those in Palm Beach County) living with HIV/AIDS and an estimated 20% more are HIV infected but are unaware of their status. Florida currently ranks 3rd in the nation for total reported cases of HIV/AIDS.

Doctors, nurses and other clinicians and healthcare providers play an important role in HIV detection. Many people positive for HIV pass through a healthcare facility or visit their doctor without ever being tested for exposure to the virus. In addition, clinicians and healthcare providers play a significant role in advancing the goals of the National HIV/AIDS strategy, including: reducing HIV incidence and increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes.

TEST PALM BEACH COUNTY is a partnership encouraging routine HIV Testing for everyone age 13 and up. By encouraging routine testing, early diagnosis can save lives.

Dr. Alonso says, “No one should be afraid of getting an HIV Test, because you can stop the transmission of the disease and if you are positive, you can start your medication and learn how to live with HIV.”

Healthcare providers play an integral role and can lead by example. By being tested and talking to patients, clinicians can help remove unnecessary fear and misconceptions about knowing one’s status. Also, the clinicians can help increase awareness about HIV counseling, testing, medical care and linkage to services within our community as well as learn about proper protocols for administering HIV tests.

How many clinicians today will set a good example for their patients to follow and get tested for HIV and become actively involved in HIV/AIDS services in our community? 

    For more information on where how to get a confidential HIV Test at no charge, log onto hivtest.cdc.gov ort www.pbchd.com or call 1-800-FLA-AIDS.

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