The Health Services Center (Hobson City) conducted an HIV Testing event to mark National Black HIV Awareness Day, at the Carver Community Center in West Anniston on Friday Feb.6, 2009. The event was sponsored by a grant from the Anniston Community Education Foundation, Project YELL (Youth Education Life Lessons).

 Prevention Specialists from HSC; Eddy Jackson, Kelli Lasseter, Billy Rollins, Melissa Parker, and Tiffany Oden provided free Oraquick swab HIV testing and distributed flyers and educational materials throughout the community,  and Julie Hope, Director of Education/Outreach provided a brief HIV prevention message to the senior citizen's group who meet regularly at the center. Approximately 50 persons received materials, and giveaways, and five persons were tested.

HSC thanks the ACEF for their support in providing this vital service to our community. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately affected communities of color, especially in the Southern States. Each year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more that 56,000 persons contract HIV in the U.S. This makes it imperative that persons at risk know their status. HIV is spread by the infectious body fluids of an infected person through unprotected sex, and through sharing of needles and syringes.

For more information about HIV/AIDS, for free testing, or to schedule a testing event call Julie Hope at HSC, 256-832-0100.