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Sarasota News Leader June 21, 2013 Page 48 FREE HIV TESTING OFFERED DURING NATIONAL CAMPAIGN Free HIV testing will be available to the public at locations in Sarasota County as part of the 19th annual National HIV Testing Day observance during the week of June 22-28, the county Health Department has announced. treatment earlier, take steps to stay healthy and keep from spreading the virus to others. "HIV testing is fast and easy," the release says. The Clearview® HIV Test, done with a finger prick, provides preliminary test results in only five minutes. Test results are always kept private and are not shared with anyone, including family members, significant others, employers or landlords, the release points out. While the focus is on providing HIV testing to those who may not know their HIV status, some locations also will offer testing for other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and gonorrhea, as well as blood pressure and glucose (blood sugar) screenings, a news Among the free, locally sponsored HIV testing and educational opportunities are the followrelease says. ing: Health officials note that this marks the 32nd year since the start of the AIDS pandemic. SARASOTA "Despite advances in testing and treatment, • HIV testing, blood pressure and glucose many people who are HIV positive still do not screening: Thursday, June 27, 9:30 a.m. to even know it," the release points out. Accord3 p.m., Salvation Army — Health In Motion ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Mobile Medical Unit, 1400 10th St. Prevention (CDC), one out of five people living with HIV in the United States is unaware • Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and of his or her HIV status. HIV testing: Mondays, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; and Thursdays, 1-5 "Early diagnosis is the key. When I learned p.m., William L. Little Health and Human that I was HIV positive 20 years ago, I made Services Center, 2200 Ringling Blvd., Room positive lifestyle changes," said Valerie Wo1127. jciechowicz, a Sarasota resident who educates and advocates for women living with HIV, in • HIV and sexually transmitted diseases testthe release. "Today, my quality of life is good ing, incentives and food giveaway: Friday, even with HIV, in part because of the early June 28, 2-5 p.m., Genesis Health Services, diagnosis and treatment." 3333 N. Washington Blvd. The risk factors for HIV infection are having VENICE unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes. If persons have never been tested, or • HIV testing, blood pressure and glucose screening: Tuesday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. to if they have had unprotected sex or shared a noon, Goodwill Center — The Rialto (look needle since their last test, now is the time to get an HIV test, the release notes. Knowing for Health In Motion Mobile Medical Unit), their HIV status can help them get medical 650 S. Tamiami Trail.