Rockland's Annual World AIDS Day Observance Dec. 3

The annual World AIDS Day Observance in Rockland will be held from 12 pm - 6 pm Dec. 3 at Quisqueya Sports Club, at 25 Broadway in Haverstraw.

The observance is sponsored by the Rockland County AIDS Consortium.

Come learn the facts about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) - the virus that can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Find out how HIV is spread, how it can be prevented, and the different services available for people with HIV or AIDS and their families. Free, private and rapid (test results in 20 minutes) HIV testing will be available.

“The World AIDS Day Observance in Rockland is a good chance to learn more about HIV and AIDS, get your questions answered, and get tested,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Often, people are not aware that they are infected, as you can have HIV and still feel healthy. It is important to get tested so you don’t pass the infection to others. Many doctors and public health institutions, like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the AIDS Institute, recommend testing of everyone between ages 13 - 64. How often you get tested depends on your risk for HIV infection. Get tested regularly if you are sexually active or an IV drug user. If you have HIV, early treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life. You can also take steps to protect other people.

HIV testing is especially important for pregnant women. An infected mother can pass HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and have HIV, treatment is available for your own health and to prevent passing HIV to your baby.

Call the Health Department at 845-364-2570 to find out about other places in Rockland where you can get tested for HIV. You can also call the toll-free New York State Department of Health AIDS hotline at 1-800-541-AIDS to schedule a free HIV test.

For more information about HIV and AIDS visit the New York State Department of Health website at nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids. For more information about World AIDS Day visit worldaidsday.org

PHOTO: worldaidsday.org