News --- Wayne County recognizes World AIDS Day with free HIV testing

Wayne, Mich. – On Thursday, December 1, 2005, the Wayne County Department of Public Health recognizes World AIDS Day with HIV testing and counseling. The free testing and counseling will be provided on a walk-in basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Wayne Health Center at 33030 Van Born Road. All personal information remains anonymous and confidential.

AIDS has claimed more than 25 million people worldwide, and an estimated 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS throughout the world. It is estimated that more than 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. alone, including more than 16,000 in Michigan.

"Our role in public health is to ensure that residents are informed about behaviors related to communicable diseases. Those who are at risk should know their status and get the HIV test so that others do not become infected," said Anahid Kulwicki, Director of the Wayne County Department of Public Health.

Most HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S. are concentrated in major cities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans currently represent more than half of all HIV/AIDS cases. HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death among African American women age 25-34. The disease will claim more than 3 million people worldwide in 2005. Medications continue to increase the life expectancies of those infected, but the rate of infection is rapidly rising, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.