More than 1,600 Cases Of AIDS reported In Solano So Far: Free AIDS Testing Thursday

Information from Solano County:

Solano County Public Health is commemorating World AIDS Day on Thursday with information, counseling and HIV testing.  The mobile testing van will offer free, rapid and confidential antibody testing for HIV.  Results are available in 20-30 minutes. 

“The sooner you know your HIV status, the sooner you can get treatment, and also protect your partners from HIV infection,” says Peter Turner, Counseling and Testing Coordinator.  “The rapid test is a fast and convenient way for people to learn their HIV status.”

The van will be parked at the following locations on Thursday:

—  9 -10:30 a.m. at the Health & Social Services Building, 275 Beck Ave., Fairfield

— 11:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. outside the Solano Community College Student Union

—  3 – 5 p.m. on Georgia Street in Vallejo in collaboration with the Solano AIDS Coalition.

In support of World AIDS Day and to promote awareness, the Solano County AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display at the Solano Community College and on Georgia Street in Vallejo. 

“Community members created the quilt as a way to memorialize loved ones who have died of HIV/AIDS,” said Cara Drake, Solano Public Health.  “The quilt will be put on display as an enduring memorial to Solano residents, family and friends affected by AIDS.”

As of June 2011, 1,671 cases of AIDS have been reported in Solano County since the beginning of the epidemic.  Public Health officials estimate that more than 1,500 Solano County residents have HIV infection.  Many of these individuals have never had an HIV antibody test and do not know they are infected.  Call 707-553-5557 for more information about testing.