FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John C. Beckley
Director of Development & Marketing
AIDS Delaware
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 315
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: 302.690.6000 (cell)
Email: jbeckley@aidsdelaware.org
Date: January 14, 2021
Show your Valentine you care by getting tested together. Yes, HIV infections are still happening. In 2020, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, 90 new people tested positive for HIV in the state of Delaware. That brings the total number of reported cases of people living with HIV in Delaware to 3,580*.
Why should people get tested? Because knowledge is power. Knowing your HIV status allows you to take action to keep you and your partner healthy and safe.
- If you test positive, there are very effective medicines available to treat HIV. People taking HIV medicines as prescribed are living long and healthy lives. People who get and keep an undetectable viral load, are at no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partner through sex.
- If you test negative, there are options available to help prevent HIV and ensure you are protecting yourself and your partner.
“AIDS Delaware was the first agency to offer couples testing” says Darcy Brasure, Manager of Counseling and Testing. “It only makes sense…this way you can be there to support each other, no matter the results.”
Whether positive or negative, the AIDS Delaware staff will discuss your options with you and provide you with the resources you need. The testing is free and confidential, and you will know the results in under 15 minutes.
Also, to sweeten the deal, couples who make an appointment between February 12 to the 14th will receive a sweet treat. To make an appointment call Darcy at 302.397.1457. #KnowYourStatusGetTested
AIDS Delaware is the state’s first and largest AIDS Service Organization (ASO). Founded in 1984, by a group of concerned volunteer activists, to address the needs of the state’s emerging AIDS crisis. Our mission is to eliminate the spread and stigma of HIV/AIDS, improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, and promote community health through comprehensive and culturally-sensitive services, education programs, and advocacy.
* Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program
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AIDS Delaware’s mission is to support those living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware and to prevent the spread of HIV through comprehensive services, education, and advocacy.