Women invited to “Know Their Status” through HIV test

Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio has invited over 30 northwest Ohio women to make another New Year’s resolution by “knowing their status” and getting tested for HIV. 

Judges, company presidents, county commissioners, news anchorwomen, school superintendents as well as CEOs are invited to come to the PPNWO Health Center at 1301 Jefferson Ave. for testing on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, from 11:00am to 1:00pm or 4:00pm to 6:00pm.  This event is co-sponsored by Zonta International.

PPNWO is leading the fight against the spread of HIV.   “Inviting prominent women to come to the Planned Parenthood Health Center to have a simple oral swab, will, hopefully encourage all northwest Ohioans to be tested for HIV.  These women can play a vital role in stopping the spread of HIV,” said Johnetta McCollough, CEO of PPNWO.   The HIV test is a simple oral swab with results in 20 minutes.  All results are confidential.

The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Ohio is continuing to increase substantially and is more prevalent in and around inner city areas.  Lucas County has the fifth highest rate of persons known to be living with HIV/AIDS of any major metropolitan county in Ohio. According to the 2007 Lucas County Health Assessment Report, there are 953 people in Lucas County who reported to be living with HIV/AIDS.  Of those numbers, 100 are female. 

Free, confidential HIV testing is available at the PPNWO Jefferson location six days per week.  Hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9:00am – 6:00pm; Wednesday from 9:00am – 8:00pm; Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm; and Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm.