Archive for the ‘HIV/AIDS Test’ Category

aids2031 - what we can do to change the face of the pandemic by 2031

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

To learn more about aids2031, follow this link: www.aids2031.org/about

aids2031 is a consortium of partners who have come together to look at what we have learned about the AIDS response as well as consider the implications of the changing world around AIDS.

Based on innovative thinking, critical analysis and public debate, aids2031 will create the report An Agenda for the Future–charting options to achieve the best possible outcome for the future.

aids2031 is about mobilizing the global AIDS response to include a long-term view and take into account the consequences of our actions as well as inactions.

aids2031 is not about what we should do in 2031, but what we can do differently now, to change the face of the pandemic by 2031

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Free - and anonymous - HIV testing

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

AIDS Project Worcester offers free - and anonymous - HIV testing Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:45 pm at the agency located at 85 Green St. Worcester. Knowing your HIV status is the first step in seeking medical intervention and gaining access to effective strategies to prevent the spread of HIV. Our goal is to make the process of counseling and testing a simple, easy, and supportive.
*No appointments are necessary for any HIV testing.  ALL HIV testing is FREE.  
Three types of tests are available:
Blood Testing (a traditional blood draw)
Oral Mucosal Testing (a swab placed in your mouth)
Ora Quick (Rapid Test) Testing ( finger stick with a preliminary result in 20 minutes). The Ora Quick is not offered on Fridays. Results for the blood and oral mucosal tests are usually back in 7 days. For more information, call 508.755.3773, ext 22 or email marilyn@aidsprojectworcester.org

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UMass Medical students attend free HIV testing seminar at AIDS Project Worcester

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

On Friday, September 11,  AIDS Project Worcester hosted a second group of students from UMass Medical School to teach them how to use the  Ora Quick Advanced Testing kit.  Marilyn Rodriguez, HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator at the agency, said this is the third year the agency has reached out to the medical school students so they can add HIV counseling and testing skills to services they will offer at free clinics in the area. “The number of medical student who come to this seminar has tripled in the past three years,” said Marilyn. “I couldn’t be happier with the students’ enthusiasm, engergy, and commitment.” More than 50 medical students came to the agency in August and September to attend this free training. Marilyn pointed out that AIDS Project Worcester will also supply the clinics with the Ora Quick testing kit - free of charge - and will supervise the students. ”We also offer anonymous and free testing here at the agency five days a week,” explains Marilyn. “It’s all about stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. Get tested. Know your status. Get support.”  If you have questions email Marilyn at marilyn@aidsprojectworcester.org

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The First Time I got an HIV Test

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

I can remember the first time I got an HIV test; I was 35-years of age. The fear was huge.
Things were running through my mind at the time. Like, what if I come out positive? Am I going to die? Will my parents treat me different? Will my friends find out? How do I tell my partner? Will my partner leave me if I tell her? All these thoughts were just procrastinating the decision.
There was not a moment when I thought I was going to come out negative. Today I realize that it was the fear that made me believe that I was going to come out positive.
In 2003 AIDS Project Worcester offered two types of HIV tests, the Ora-Sure HIV test which is an oral swab and the traditional blood draw. I wanted to get tested but I didn’t want to wait a week for the blood draw results to come back. I don’t think I could have lasted a week for the results. In 2004 AIDS Project Worcester began to offer the Ora-Quick rapid HIV test, which gives you a preliminary HIV results in 20-minutes.
I had spoken to a co-worker about my interest in having an HIV test, especially since I could get a preliminarily result in 20-minutes. But at the same time I was still a little hesitant. My co-worker sat me down and explained to me that it would be better and more comforting to know my status now rather then later.
She reassured me that I was not going to die, that medicine has made great strides in the fight against HIV. She also told me that it was my right if I chose not to disclose my status with friends if I was to come out positive. She also explained to me that if I came out negative there are ways that I can maintain my negative status through prevention methods.
The day was finally here when I made up my mind and decided that I would go ahead and have an HIV test done. I was very nervous but the person who tested me was comforting and it made feel so much better.
When I went back after the 20-minutes, I received a negative result.
I can’t put into words my feelings at that moment. All these feelings came over me — I just know that I felt so relieved, like this joy came over me.
Today I have an HIV test done at least two-times a year and I am very comfortable and have become educated in prevention methods.

Marilyn Rodriguez

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