North Idaho's one-stop shop for the community's HIV concerns is finally growing, and they feel like celebrating.

The North Idaho AIDS Coalition invites the community to its open house/ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. today at 2201 Government Way, Suite L, in Coeur d'Alene. Thanks to a new $72,000 grant reported in the April 28 edition of The Press, NIAC's staff of two can breathe a little easier.

"Currently, Stacie (Lechot, case manager) serves 50 clients here at NIAC," said Amy Dreps, executive director.

Lechot's case load is a moving number, as clients' potential needs vary after an HIV diagnosis. At last count, 147 people in Idaho's District 1 are living with HIV/AIDS. According to Dreps, the number of high-risk heterosexual cases is increasing; 26 percent of NIAC's clients are women. The number of women testing positive for HIV has increased more than 60 percent in the last eight years. Even more tragic is that youths aged 13 to 24 account for about 15 percent of diagnoses; abstinence-only programs in schools have not produced the hoped-for decreases in STDs and HIV. The most common age range of those diagnosed remains 40 to 49 (40 percent); 35 percent are 30 to 39 years of age.

"Twenty-five percent of people with HIV aren't aware of their status," Dreps said. "That's why the revised CDC guidelines say that everyone between the ages of 13-64 should be tested once a year."

Nationwide every 10 seconds someone dies of AIDS in what is a drawn out and difficult death, although most cases are treatable if caught in time. HIV can be lived with.

"In our bodies are very important cells called the CD4 or T-Cells - the quarterback of our immune systems; they fight off all infections. The HIV virus attaches itself to T-cells and actually uses that T-cell to replicate or reproduce itself. Not only do we lose the cells we need to fight off the virus, it uses those cells to make more of itself," Dreps explained.

While no cure yet exists, unprecedented progress in HIV-related research looms against a torrent of increasing numbers and failing funds. Since 2009, scientists have identified special antibodies which fight the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the immune system and lowers the body's resistance against common infections. These antibodies could be the foundation of a preventive vaccine. Researchers hope for long-term clinical trials on humans, but have insufficient funding.

Today's open house will also offer two fundraisers: Mother's Day flower baskets for sale and $20 memberships to Peak athletic club. Summer fundraising events include breakfast at Applebee's on Aug. 20; tickets are $7.

For more information see Northidahoaidscoalition.org or (208) 665-1448.