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SALT LAKE CITY -- On June 5, 1981 the Center for Disease control reported five cases of a rare form of pneumonia in Los Angeles. Since then, what we now know as the AIDS epidemic has taken hold throughout the world.
In order to combat this disease on the anniversary of its first recorded appearance, the Utah AIDS Foundation is offering free HIV tests and a month-long awareness campaign. They hope to have 500 people tested in this month alone.
- Mondays:
Walk-in hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Thursdays:
- Before June 2, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (appointment only)
- After June 9, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Walk-ins)
"We're seeing an increase in HIV infection, in particular in young people under the age of 25," said Stan Penfold, UAF executive director. "We're very concerned that people come in and get an HIV test so they know their status. So we're trying to make it as easy as possible."
According to the UAF, 3,538 Utahns have been infected with AIDS in the last thirty years, with 2,551 living with it right now. That means that roughly every three days, another person is infected with the disease.
This year, in addition to a free rapid test, the UAF has implemented couple's testing, allowing partners to come in and be tested together. They've also lengthened the hours they are open.
3,538 Utahns have been infected with AIDS in the last 30 years; 2,551 (72%) are living with it right now.
According to the UAF, the infection rate is rising among young gay men in Utah. In a press release, Penfold said that there were more people who tested HIV-positive in the first quarter of this year than there were in the whole of 2010.
"HIV has kind of fallen of the radar, in particular for young people...if you're 20, you're grown up, it's been a part of your life your entire life and people just aren't as concerned about it like they have been in the past." Penfold said.
While There are medications available to treat HIV/AIDS, they are not a cure.
"It will shorten your life even if you're just on meds," Penfold said.
