MASON CITY – The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health has once again received the HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral Grant for 2018.
The Health Department received this grant in efforts to reduce the rising number of HIV cases in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, there were 124 new HIV diagnoses in 2015. Over 27% of all HIV diagnoses in 2015 were people between the ages of 15-24 years old. As of December 31, 2015, there were 2,496 people living in Iowa with HIV. Those residents live in 94 of the 99 Iowa counties. These statistics are only gathered from those individuals who have been tested.
This grant will allow the Health Department to provide free testing to any Iowa resident age 14 years or older who requests it. Testing is now very simple with the help of a rapid hiv test kit.
In the 2017 County Health Rankings, 76.74% of adults living in Cerro Gordo County report they have never been tested for HIV. This shows a lack of access to preventative care services. Through this grant, the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health hopes to increase their testing services by providing outreach clinics in counties surrounding Cerro Gordo County. Clinics or surrounding county health departments interested in holding an outreach clinic are encouraged to call the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health at 641-421-9309.
Getting tested and knowing your status is the key to preventing the spread of HIV. HIV is a public health threat, and it is one that needs to be taken very seriously. This disease can completely change your life after just one sexual encounter, or needle poke. The Health Department also offers free STD testing to those who are eligible.
To schedule your FREE HIV test or schedule an outreach clinic at your clinic or health department, call Sam at 641-421-9309 or visit our website at www.cghealth.com for more information.
