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As of
September 31, 2011, a cumulative total of 31,827 persons have been reported with HIV infection in Louisiana,
including 322 children. Baton Rouge ranked 2nd for estimated AIDS case rates
among the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. in 2009. In recognition of World AIDS Day, Face to Face Enrichment Center,
located at 2010 South Burnside Avenue, Suite A, Gonzales is offering FREE HIV Testing. No blood, no needles, and results are
provided in 20 minutes. HIV Testing will take place on December 1, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. To schedule your appointment,
please call 225-644-9992 and speak with one of our certified counselors. Walk-ins are also welcome. World AIDS Day is observed
every year on December 1st and has become one of the most recognized international health days.
Click here to download the 2011 World AIDS Day Fact Sheet
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HIV/AIDS is a problem that affects all of us. One of the problems
is that people are afraid to talk about the virus. There are also those who think that HIV isn't a problem in this community.
Well, the truth is, that there are people infected with HIV in every parish in Louisiana. So, what about Ascension Parish? According to
the Louisiana Office of Public Health Third Quarter 2011 HIV/AIDS Report, as of September 31, 2011, there
are 192 persons
living with HIV/AIDS in Ascension Parish.
If you have an HIV-related question or comment, please contact FaceToFaceCenter@yahoo.com. |
HIV/AIDS FACTS - HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS.
- AIDS
(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease in which the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off
certain infections, known as "opportunistic infections," and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune
system.
- A person who is HIV positive carries the virus in certain body fluids, including
blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus can be transmitted only if such HIV-infected fluids enter the
bloodstream of another person.
- The major risk factors for HIV positive women are heterosexual contact
and injection drugs.
- Although African Americans are 50% of the population, 83% of the HIV and AIDS cases are
among African Americans according to the Louisiana HIV/AIDS Surveillance Fourth Quarter 2007 Report.
- HIV
is not transmitted through food or air (for instance, by coughing or sneezing).
- Having a sexually transmitted
disease can increase your risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV.
- If you are injecting drugs
of any type, including steroids, do not share syringes or other injection equipment with anyone else. (Disinfecting previously
used needles and syringes with bleach can reduce the risk of HIV transmission.)
- Nearly half of the roughly
40,000 Americans newly infected with HIV each year are under the age of 25.
- There is still no
cure for AIDS.
Some of the above facts are provided courtesy of The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS
Resource (www.thebody.com)
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