More than 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Approximately 230,000 of them are unaware they are infected with the virus. DHEC statistics indicate that more than 15,000 people are living with HIV in South Carolina, but officials say the actual rate is much higher, since at least 20 percent of those with HIV don’t know they’re infected.Events are being held throughout South Carolina this week in observance of National HIV Testing Day. This Saturday is National HIV Testing Day.
DHEC’S HIV Prevention Program Manager Tony Price says DHEC is following a new philosophy now, that EVERYONE should get an HIV test. “Just like people should know what their blood pressure or cholestorol level is, we want everyone to know what their HIV status is. Everyone should find out once and for all, regardless of how they view themselves fitting into a particular risk group.” [click to continue…]
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