For Immediate Release
November 30, 2007
| For additional information contact: |
| Bill Anstey, (616) 632-7110 |
Kent County Health Department Recognizes World AIDS Day
“Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”
December 1, 2007
(Grand Rapids, MI) – As a partner in the fight against AIDS, the Kent County Health Department recognizes Saturday, December 1, 2007 as World AIDS Day.
The Health Department reminds residents that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a worldwide threat to people of all ages and ethnicities. Residents are encouraged to learn more about HIV/AIDS and to know their status by being tested. Free and anonymous testing is available year-round at the Health Department’s 700 Fuller Avenue location. Testing is available by appointment by calling (616) 632-7171. On Monday, December 3rd, accommodations will be made for walk-in clients utilizing the Health Department’s rapid HIV testing procedures which will allow for test results to be provided within the hour.
According to The Global Steering Committee of the World AIDS Campaign over 5,700 people died each day from AIDS-related illnesses and over 6,800 people are still being infected with HIV on a daily basis. Of these infected, about 1,200 are children under 15 and about 2,900 are women 15 years and older. Approximately half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before age 25 and are killed by AIDS before age 35.
World AIDS Day was originally organized by United Nations Program on AIDS
(UNAIDS) in 1988 to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve
education around HIV/AIDS. To learn more about World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS
visit www.worldaidscampaign.org.
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The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has been in the business of providing health services to the whole of Kent County since 1931. It is made up of four divisions: Administration, Community Clinical Services, Community Nursing and Environmental Health. The Health Department is home to nearly 260 employees, including public health nurses, sanitarians, health educators, technicians, and public health administrators. KCHD operates four satellite clinics located in Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, and the Westside of Grand Rapids. The Health Department is also home to the Kent County Animal Shelter. To learn more about our services, visit www.accesskent.com/health.
