Health

County Unveils HIV Testing Campaign

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Today is National HIV Testing Day, and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is marking the observance by announcing an eight-month “Know and Disclose” campaign encouraging people to get tested and know their status.

“People of color have made up the majority of new AIDS cases in San Diego County since 2000,” said Nick Macchione, HHSA Director. “We are here today to encourage members of the community to take an important step in protecting their health and the health of others.

“Knowing your HIV status means you have a key piece of information to take control of your life and discuss your status.”

The campaign will target southeast San Diego and feature billboards, local newspaper ads, transit and bus stop ads, public service announcements and a new website KnowAndDisclose.com.

“African-Americans have the highest rate of AIDS cases since the mid-1980’s,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “We are reaching out to the community to continue the message to take control of your personal health, get tested, know your status and share that vital information with your partners.”The ‘Know and Disclose” campaign help people find out where to get tested, how to get treatment and how to talk to their partners.

Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the early ‘80s, nearly 15,000 San Diego County residents have been diagnosed with AIDS. Since 2006, almost 5,400 residents have been diagnosed with HIV disease.

“Keeping San Diegans healthy – which includes taking the test for HIV – is part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative,” said Macchione.

 

 

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact