Saturday, June 27, 2009 | San Antonio AIDS Foundation
9:00 am

San Antonio, Texas---June 27, 2009---National HIV Testing Day is June 27th. This is not just one single day to get tested for HIV/AIDS but also a day for awareness of an epidemic of which there is not yet a cure. As part of National HIV Testing Day, the San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) will be offering free 20-minute testing on June 27th from 9AM-4PM at their offices at 818 E. Grayson.

HIV/AIDS is on the rise in many unexpected demographics. The “senior citizen population as well as teenagers and African American community are significant in the current numbers of new HIV/AIDS cases”, says HIV educator, Vanessa Gonzales.

“What many don’t realize is that San Antonio is a late to care community which means that people are being diagnosed with AIDS without knowing they were even infected with the HIV virus. People find out in emergency rooms rather than of their own accord by testing and taking preventative measures,” states Ewell. Based on a local needs assessment of San Antonio nearly 25% of individuals are diagnosed in local ER’s.

The San Antonio AIDS Foundation stresses the need for testing, prevention and early detection. “Teenagers and adults, anyone who is involved in risky behavior is at risk for HIV/AIDS”, explains Ewell. SAAF offers testing on June 27th from 9AM-4PM but also throughout the year Monday-Thursday, 8:30AM-4:00PM and 9AM-1PM on Fridays. The 20-minute tests are free and confidential and minors do not need a parents consent to take the test.

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