Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio Encourages Individuals to get an HIV Test and Know Their Status During National HIV Testing Day
For Immediate Release: June 26, 2018
COLUMBUS, OH — Two-thirds of individuals living with HIV in Ohio reside in just six counties (Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, and Montgomery). In 2016, there were 982 newly reported diagnoses of HIV in Ohio. During National HIV Testing Day (Wednesday, June 27, 2018), Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) urges individuals at risk to know their status early and access the care and treatment services to keep themselves, and their partners, healthy and safe.
Every day, PPGOH’s health centers offer confidential, rapid HIV testing through pre-scheduled appointments and walk-in availability. For those individuals unable to visit a center, HIV Testing Specialists offer free testing and education on a routine basis in communities throughout Ohio. Through the Education and Outreach Department, Planned Parenthood is raising awareness about HIV within populations who are most affected. For instance, the rate of black males living with an HIV diagnosis is 5.8 times that of white males and the rate of black women living with an HIV diagnosis is 12.6 times that of white women.
Statement from Diego Espino, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, Vice President of Community Engagement:
“Planned Parenthood is proud to offer HIV testing in our health centers across Ohio, on college campuses, at health fairs, and in some of our most vulnerable communities. There is still stigma surrounding HIV, and it is our goal to help break down barriers surrounding this disease, and help those infected live healthy lives.”
During National HIV Testing Day, PPGOH will partner with organizations, including the City of Cleveland Department of Public Health and Walgreen’s, offering free HIV testing and education.
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About Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio: The mission of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is to protect, promote, and provide empowered health care for generations of women, men, and families across Ohio. PPGOH serves approximately 64,000 patients annually throughout Ohio including metropolitan areas in Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Mansfield, Cleveland, Columbus, and Athens. www.ppgoh.org.