On Feb. 6-7, Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource and Education Inc.(VICARE) will sponsor two additional days of free HIV testing and extended hours as part of the 10th annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Testing is open to the entire St. Croix community. VICARE encourages everyone to come out to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved with HIV/AIDS as it continues to devastate Black and Hispanic communities.
Over 930 cases of HIV and AIDS have been reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the number of those who don’t know they are HIV+ is unknown. Many of the people infected with HIV do not know they are HIV+ and may not learn their status until the time they become ill. For many people living with HIV, symptoms of their illness often do not become evident for 10 years or more following infections with the virus.
VICARE will be conducting free, painless HIV testing at its office at 43 Queen Street, Christiansted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 1-5. On Saturday, Feb. 6, VICARE will be at St. Croix Rescue at Five Corners in Christiansted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 7, VICARE’s offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Getting tested and knowing your HIV status is important for you and your sex partners” said Carmen George, VICARE’s director of HIV Testing. “HIV is now a manageable illness with proper care and treatment, so don’t be afraid and Know Your Status. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk” she said.
For more information, contact VICARE at 692-9111 or www.vicareinc.org