Local center offers free HIV oral test

Just imagine that a simple cold could kill you or a loved one.

Rosa Diaz, Director of the local LGBT Resource Center, said “HIV in due time will weaken your immune system. And a simple cold can be major.”

Diaz said there’s a growing concern in Imperial Valley over what she sees as a rising epidemic locally and nationally.

“HIV has been on the rise and it’s been mainly between 18 and 25-year-olds,” Diaz said.

Fifteen cases were reported in just the last six months by the Imperial Valley Health Department.

“It’s been on the rise and I think that’s nationwide,” Diaz said.

The website aidsvu.org reports that over one million people in the U.S. have the virus. And 1 in 7 do not know they’re infected.

“It’s important to get tested in case they are infected that they know that there’s medication, there are treatments that can give them a full long life,” Diaz said.

In observance of National HIV Testing Day, celebrated on Tuesday, the center is offering free tests to anyone, and will continue until their supplies last.

The test is taken orally. There’s no blood involved and it only takes a few minutes.

“They shouldn’t be afraid to get tested. There should be no stigma for anybody who wants to get tested,” Diaz said.

Diaz stressed that testing not only can save lives, but it’s the responsible thing to do.

“To get the necessary help. To get the medication. To get the assistance,” Diaz concluded.

People can also get tested at Clinicas de Salud, Planned Parenthood or the Department of Public Health.