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Community Corner

Free HIV Testing and Health Fair in recognition of National HIV Testing Day

The state of California has the second largest number of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in the United States, and San Diego County has the third largest number of AIDS cases in California.  According to San Diego’s Health and Human Resources Agency, as of 2009 more than 14,000 cases of AIDS had been reported in San Diego County, with about 400 new cases being reported each year.  Although reported cases of AIDS have decreased over time, cases involving people of color have actually grown.                        

According to Ed Martinez, CEO of San Ysidro Health Center, the annual AIDS case rate among blacks is about three times that seen in whites.  Hispanics have the second highest number of cases per year.  He noted that the proportion of Hispanics with less than a year between HIV and AIDS diagnosis has increased significantly over the last 15 years.                         

“This increase may be due to delayed HIV testing or delayed care-seeking after HIV testing and diagnosis,” said Martinez.  “The free HIV testing and health fair in recognition of National HIV Testing Day helps us address this challenge as part of our mission to deliver quality, low-cost, primary health care services to South Bay & Central/Southeastern San Diego residents.”

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