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March 9, 2007
Little Rock -- The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health, is encouraging women and girls to learn more about HIV/AIDs as March 10, 2007 marks the second annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This year's theme is "Taking Action to Save Our Lives".
Women and girls can take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS in a variety of ways such as getting tested for HIV, practicing safe methods to prevent HIV, deciding not to engage in high risk behaviors, talking about HIV prevention with family, friends and colleagues, empowering oneself, and providing support to those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have indicated that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American Women ages 25-34 in the U.S.
In Arkansas, HIV is increasing among women, especially women of color. In 2003 there were 53 new HIV cases among women. In 2006 there were 114 cases among women, representing more than a 200 percent increase.
It is important for women who are pregnant to get tested for HIV. HIV positive mothers may have a one in four chance of infecting their babies either before birth or by breast feeding. This risk can be reduced to a one in twelve chance by taking HIV medications, according to Kaiser Foundation sources.
Behaviors that put people at higher risk for HIV infection include having sex with a person who is already infected, multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, being the sexual partner of a man who has sex with both men and women, and injection drug use or being the sexual partner of a person who is using or has used injection drugs. Using a condom can reduce the risk of infection if used every time and used correctly. Monogamous relationships can also reduce your risk if you know you and your partner are both HIV negative. Getting tested regularly is the best way to know your status.
HIV testing sites include local health units listed in the local telephone directory; or call 501-661-2408 for information on the health unit nearest you. The Arkansas AIDS Foundation at 518 E. 9th Street, Little Rock, provides rapid HIV testing. Call 501-376-6299 for days and times. Delta Outreach in West Memphis at 310 Mid-Continent Plaza, Suite 410-A, 870-702-4990 offers testing for both HIV and Syphilis. Jefferson Comprehensive Care System, Inc., of Pine Bluff has several clinics in the state. Call 870-543-2327 for information.
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