The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has a number of events planned for Dec. 1 to inform locals about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in conjunction with World Aids Day.
The county is emphasizing the presence of HIV and AIDS in the local community, according to Dan Reed, program administrator for HIV/AIDS programs in Santa Barbara County.
“We’re seeing more of the Hispanic population become infected than they have in the past, as well as a larger percentage of women,” Reed said. “Unfortunately, a lot of times they don’t seek treatment right away, and when they do come in, it’s progressed from HIV to AIDS. At that point their lifespan and quality of life will be adversely affected.”
Reed said that a key goal of the county HIV/AIDS programs is to educate people about the virus and corresponding disease: by catching HIV in its early stages, quality and length of life can be extended greatly. For example, someone in his or her 30s and in good health has an expected quality of life of 25 to 30 years if it’s detected early. Compare that to some of the people Reed has seen come in with infections in the later stages, which then converts to full blown AIDS within 6 to 12 years.
Santa Barbara County offers multiple sites for free HIV testing: Santa Maria (Thursday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.) and Lompoc (Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m.). Scheduling information can be found on the Public Health Department website at sbcphd.org or by calling 681-5120.
Intern Nicholas Walter compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send items for consideration to mail@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 3, 2008.
