Pennsylvania HIV/AIDS Advocacy Group Targets Prevention, Treatment Programs Toward Older Adults

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 19 Mar 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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The AIDS Planning Coalition of South Central Pennsylvania is targeting a new HIV prevention and treatment program toward older adults in their 60s and 70s, the Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

People older than age 50 in Pennsylvania are increasingly being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, according to the Patriot-News. According to CDC, people older than age 50 in 2005 accounted for 19% of new AIDS cases and 29% of all people living with AIDS.

The coalition has published a brochure, titled "HIV/AIDS is Ageless," that will be distributed at doctors' offices and senior centers in the area. The brochure notes that the virus is transmitted sexually and recommends that people older than 50 should use condoms. As part of the coalition's campaign, Arthur Williams -- a Harrisburg, Pa.-based physician who treats people living with HIV/AIDS -- will discuss HIV/AIDS in older populations at an event involving local doctors, nurses and health workers.

In addition, the Hamilton HOPE Program has launched a new HIV education campaign involving older populations. The campaign is offering no-cost HIV testing and counseling and provides gift cards to people who receive an HIV test, the Patriot-News reports. According to Regina King, director of the program, about 1,800 people in the area received an HIV test last year and three people per 100 were found to be HIV-positive. King added that the campaign aims to inform people that everyone who has had sex without a condom, regardless of age, is at risk for HIV and should be tested (Wenner, Harrisburg Patriot-News, 3/17).

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