Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest (PPGNW) Provides
Free HIV Tests in Alaska Health Centers December 10 -- 14, 2012
PPGNW fighting for the healthiest generation ever
Anchorage –Three decades after the first diagnosis, the HIV/AIDS epidemic rages on. There are approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and every 10 minutes someone is diagnosed with HIV. Despite a worldwide increase in prevention efforts, women and young people remain particularly vulnerable. Inspired by World AIDS Day 2012, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest (PPGNW) will provide free HIV testing at its Alaska Health Centers from Monday, December 10th thru Friday, the 14th 2012.
In November, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that all Americans aged 15-65 receive routine HIV testing, not just those most at risk. Planned Parenthood is uniquely poised to provide routine testing to all of its clients. The successful integration of HIV screening and reproductive health care increases access to care and improves health outcomes. "With the vast majority of our clients being in their 20s, Planned Parenthood is often the first stop in keeping young people well-informed and healthy," said Chris Charbonneau, CEO of PPGNW. "At Planned Parenthood, we are working to create the healthiest generation ever, including joining with the U.S. administration and global health community's call for an AIDS-free generation."
Planned Parenthood is among the nation's leading providers of HIV screening in the U.S. One in three women who receive an HIV test is tested at a women's health center like Planned Parenthood. As trusted access points for HIV screenings, Planned Parenthood health centers are a critical gateway to additional HIV care.
In 2011, Planned Parenthood affiliates across the nation conducted 680,000 HIV tests, a 16 percent increase from 2010. In 2011, PPGNW -- which operates health centers in Western Washington, Southern Idaho and Alaska -- provided over 2,000 HIV tests. We hope to provide even more tests this year.
The HIV tests will be paid for by the Someone You Know fund which provides preventive health services like HPV vaccines, sexually transmitted infection tests, vasectomies and birth control to uninsured and low-income people in the Pacific Northwest. Rather than turn this vulnerable population away, PPGNW uses the Someone You Know fund to serve them immediately. The fund is exclusively supported by private donations through PPGNW.
PPGNW's health centers play a crucial role in the reduction of health disparities by providing high-quality, nonjudgmental and affordable HIV screening, family planning and preventive care. To make an appointment please call 1-800-230 PLAN (7526.) Walk-ins are also welcome. Visit www.ppgnw.orgfor the health center nearest you.
Press release from Planned Parenthood