Often the best medicine is early detection, especially when the disease is potentially life-threatening. Yet people still hesitate to get tested, so when a national association created HIV Testing Day in 1995, the federal Centers for Disease Control quickly hopped aboard to promote it. On National HIV Testing Day - this year, Wednesday, June 27 - it's free at the North Idaho Aids Coalition. No limits, no excuses.

"Too many people don't know they have HIV. In the United States, nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV, and almost one in five don't know they are infected," said NIAC Director Stacie Lechot.

The nonprofit NIAC also provides free and reduced cost health and support services for those living with HIV/AIDS and never turns anyone down for lack of ability to pay. On Wednesday testing is free to anyone at 2221 Government Way, Suite L in Coeur d'Alene; the rest of this week it's still free with prior appointment. The rapid test, including the result, takes only 15 minutes and is always confidential. Lechot and medical professionals recommend everyone aged 13 to 64 should be tested at least once. Those at risk should be tested annually.

A positive result isn't as scary as it once was, and some who have the HIV virus don't develop AIDS. While nearly 600,000 people in the U.S. have died of AIDS, these rates have declined. Early detection and medication can make a long and full life possible. Lechot also says that if pregnant women with the virus are treated, it increases the chance that babies will be born healthy.

According to the CDC, despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV infection (which may be a reflection of better and more testing), the

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annual number of new infections has remained stable in recent years. This means that most of those living with HIV infection did not transmit the virus to others, so transmission/spread of HIV is declining.

According to the Idaho HIV/AIDS Epidemiologic Profile 2010, in Idaho:

n 1,254 individuals are living with HIV or AIDS

n Just under half of those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2005-2009 were infected due to same-sex activities.

n Generally 32 percent are aged 20-29 years at diagnosis; 57 percent are aged 30-39.

n 35 percent are female. In women, the highest proportions are aged 20-29 years at diagnosis; for men, the highest proportion were aged 40-49 years.

While no cure yet exists, unprecedented progress in HIV-related research looms against a torrent of increasing numbers and failing funds. NIAC depends heavily on public support to continue their mission. On July 14 at Riverstone Park is the "Walk-Paws for AIDS," a pet-and-people walk. Their annual fundraising event is at the beautiful and historic Clark House this year, on Sept. 16. For information and registration see Northidahoaidscoalition.org or call (208) 665-1448.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholehjo@hotmail.com

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