AIDS Project Rhode Island is joining
with National Black Leadership on AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control, the
Black AIDS Institute and other organizations in participating in National Black
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Sunday, February 7, 2016.
The national theme is “I am my brother’s
and sister’s keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS.” A supporting theme is “Get educated, get
tested, get involved and get treated.”
According to the Centers for Disease
Control, of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States, African Americans
have the most severe burden of HIV. The Rhode Island Department of Health
reports that Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics in Rhode Island experience
a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
In observance of the day, AIDS Project
Rhode Island is offering special hours for free, anonymous, rapid HIV testing
at its 9 Pleasant Street, Providence, 02906 location on Sunday, February 7 from
noon until 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis. No blood is drawn, and results are
available in 20 minutes.
Anyone wishing to be tested is welcome. Testing will be available in English, Spanish
and Portuguese.
HIV stands for “Human Immunodeficiency
Virus.” HIV can lead to AIDS, “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,” which
greatly weakens the immune system increasing the opportunity for serious
infections and cancers. Treatments for AIDS, and to prevent HIV from turning
into AIDS, have greatly improved over the years so infected persons can often
have normal lifespans with proper care.
The Centers for Disease Control
recommends everyone between 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. “HIV testing should take place more often if
you are engaging in risky behavior, such as sharing needles or engaging in
unprotected sex,” said Stephen Hourahan, AIDS Project Rhode Island’s executive
director. The organization offers an
“HIV Risk Quiz," which is available by clicking here.
In addition to testing, information will
be available about treatment to reduce the risk of HIV infection, Pre ExposureProphylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is an HIV prevention
approach where HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce
their risk of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus. PEP is an HIV prevention strategy where
HIV-negative individuals take HIV medications after coming into contact with
HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected.
AIDS Project Rhode Island regularly
offers free, anonymous, rapid HIV, and Hepatitis C, walk-in testing Tuesdays 4
to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Appointments are also available and can be made by calling 401-831-5522
ext. 3824 or emailing takecharge@aidsprojectri.org.
AIDS Project Rhode Island provides free,
anonymous, rapid testing at neighborhood locations in the United Way 2-1-1 Outreach RV. To view a
calendar with dates, times and locations, click here.
AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division
of Family Service of Rhode Island.
