Free HIV testing offered this week
Katheryn Houghton Daily Inter Lake | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 5 months AGO
Flathead City-County Health Department officials reported two new cases of HIV within two weeks — a slight spike compared to the year before when just one case was reported.
“We want to make sure people are aware of risk factors and seeking testing,” according to Hillary Hanson, the county’s deputy health officer.
In 2013, more than 47,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
In 2013, an estimated 22 adults and adolescents living in Montana were diagnosed with HIV.
Hanson said a low number of cases in the valley doesn’t mean Flathead County isn’t affected by HIV.
Nationwide, roughly one in six people with HIV don’t know they’re infected.
The CDC estimated that more than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the United States could be prevented by testing.
“In Kalispell in general, we are seeing an increase in IV drug use, which increases individuals’ risk factor for HIV,” Hanson said.
She said having unprotected sex or sex with a partner who is HIV-positive also increases people’s potential to be infected.
An investigation by the department revealed the two recent cases were related. She said the contact investigation is ongoing to determine if others could have been introduced to HIV.
National HIV Testing Day is June 25. The day is a reminder for individuals to care for themselves and their partners.
In recognition of the effort, the county Health Department will offer free HIV and hepatitis C testing today through June 24.
“If they don’t make it in this week, it doesn’t mean they can’t get tested,” Hanson said. “We’re always here and always available to test folks. We hope that people who have additional risk factors recognize they’re at risk and are tested more often.”
The testing will be offered at the Community Health Center on First Avenue West in Kalispell from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Flathead Community Health Center’s new Hungry Horse Clinic at the Canyon Elementary School will also be open for testing on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Health Department’s walk-in clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 406.751.8226 to schedule an appointment.
Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at [email protected].
ARTICLES BY KATHERYN HOUGHTON DAILY INTER LAKE
No headline
People with stories of caring for someone with dementia spoke before state legislators Thursday morning. They expressed support for adding $1.5 million to Montana’s budget for families touched by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Roughly $93,000 of that could unfold within Flathead County, according to the local Agency on Aging.
No headline
People with stories of caring for someone with dementia spoke before state legislators Thursday morning. They expressed support for adding $1.5 million to Montana’s budget for families touched by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Roughly $93,000 of that could unfold within Flathead County, according to the local Agency on Aging.
Baby comes home for Mother's Day
The nurse placed the newborn on his mother’s leg. For about two minutes, the Kalispell mother felt his skin on hers and watched his eyes, her hand on his back. For the next few weeks, that would be the last time she would see her son without tubes in his nose.