World AIDS Day Saturday

EPHRATA - Grant County Health District officials are urging people to get tested for HIV as part of World AIDS Day Saturday.

Fifty-six Grant County residents were diagnosed with AIDS since 1982, said Theresa Adkinson, the district's public information officer. Currently about 30 people in the county are living with the disease.

"One of the health district's goals is to raise awareness that HIV and AIDS are still very real and that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested," Adkinson said.

Treatments exist for AIDS, but there is no cure, according to the district. More than 17,000 U.S. residents in 2009 died because of AIDS. More than 47,000 people in the U.S. were diagnosed in 2010.

Adkinson urged people to get the facts about AIDS; more information is available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, including ways to protect oneself and others. Adkinson said it's important to get tested -nearly one in five people don't know they're infected.

"Getting a test, knowing your HIV status and encouraging your friends, family and community to do the same are important steps in preventing the spread of HIV," she said

Confidential and anonymous HIV tests are available, and locations can be found at www.hivtest.org or calling 1-800-252-4636. People also can text their zip code to 566948 to get a text message with the list.

People should be tested at lease once if they are sexually active, according to the district. The district recommended talking about HIV with sexual partners.

"Be clear that you will be having safer sex - or none at all," according to the district.

The only certain way to avoid HIV is not to have sex, according to the district. People having sex should use a new latex condom each time. People should never share needles or syringes.

"Set an example by getting tested and spreading the word that others should do the same," the district said.