In recognition of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is partnering with Rocky Mountain CARES to offer free HIV testing at PPRM’s Aurora and Central health centers. PPRM’s Central health center is located in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Clients are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to either health center for testing. PPRM’s HIV test is a simple finger prick and results are available within 12 minutes or less.
“PPRM has consistently provided HIV testing and referrals as part of our comprehensive reproductive health care and basic primary care services and we are proud to partner with Rocky Mountain CARES. Our organizations share the common goal of helping communities affected by and infected with HIV and creating an inclusive, safe environment for those we help, free of stigma and discrimination. We believe in empowering individuals to make informed, responsible choices about their sexual and reproductive health,” said Amy Dickson, PPRM Vice President of Clinical Services.
PPRM’s 23 health centers throughout the state offer HIV testing and referrals and patient education year-round in addition to working to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS on and leading up to World AIDS Day. PPRM’s Advocates for Choice campus group at Colorado College will recognize World AIDS Day by hosting activities to help foster discussions about HIV/AIDS and the importance of getting tested.
“Considering that one in five people who are living with HIV/AIDS are unaware of their status, we are encouraging people to get tested and to make it a part of their annual health check-ups,” said Dickson.
The Colorado AIDS Project estimates that as of Sept. 30, 2008, there were 10,613 people known to be living with HIV/AIDS in Colorado. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 85 percent of people living in the United States with AIDS are between the ages of 20 and 50.
The CDC recommends routine HIV testing for all individuals age 13 to 64. However, stigma, fear, judgment and other barriers continue to get in the way of yearly testing, which is very easy.
For more information about PPRM’s free HIV testing on Dec. 1, please visit pprm.org or contact 1-800-230-PLAN.
