Chicagoist: Today Is National HIV Testing Day

Chicago Hypno

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:06:07 -0600

Hey everyone, this is a really important topic. I work in the HIV community as a case manager and I can tell you I am getting more new cases than ever before. We need more awareness out there. Yes, we can help people living with HIV live a longer more healthy life with the new meds like Atripla and others..but there is a myth out there that this medication cures people and it's causing people to really be unsafe. The rise of hetro cases is starting to increase as well. Take the time out to get tested no matter where you are from. A lot of bars do testing on the spot. I might suggest a good spot to go to if you are worried is the Test Positive Aware Network or TPAN! This weekend is gay pride so some of the bars will be handing out info. I also will be glad to refer anyone for testing from my office. I work part time as a hypnotherapist. Http://www.edgewaterhypnosis.com If you contact me, I would be glad to tell you where to go for testing or free medical if you do not have insurance. Chicago Hypno

ackack

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:51:57 -0600

The Bronx has the highest rate of HIV deaths in NYC. Manhattan has a higher rate of HIV. The Bronx was selected for good infrastructure. They have a network of hospitals and clinics that are working together for testing. NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/nyregion/26hiv.html?ref=health

Ingrid

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:14:43 -0600

I just read that Mayor Bloomberg is going to try and have EVERY adult in the Bronx tested for HIV within the next 3 years. Apparently the Bronx has the highest rate of HIV in the country. Sounds kind of invasive and bossy...but during a recent seminar I attended one of the speakers said that we should all be tested for STD's once a year, even if we're married. He gave many an example of people (married) who were shocked I tell you, SHOCKED, to learn that after a beloved spouse had died that they had HIV. "How can I be sure?....in a world that's constantly changing....."

mepps

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:53:14 -0600

A long week of late nights for the Chicagoist staff has taken it's toll. This is the 6th or 7th freebie from me this week! "These statistics that hit home..." would be a sentence that made sense if you took out the 'that'. But seriously though, your 'favorite chicago blog trophy' may get taken away when you least expect it if you can't keep up with the high expectations!