Did you know that March is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Month?
Nearly 300,000 women in the United State are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Although most HIV/AIDS cases in this country are in men, women and girls also suffer from the disease.
Studies show that women and girls face gaps in access to care that men don’t always confront, according to the Office for Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Serivces.
Officials are encouraging women to learn about HIV and AIDS, get tested and seek treatment if infected.
It’s all part of the National HIV/AIDS strategy that seeks to reduce the number of people with HIV, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities.
The Affordable Care Act should help HIV/AIDS patients by prohibiting insurance plans from placing lifetime caps on benefits or restricting annual reimbursements, officials say. The new laws should be in place by 2014.
Get tested for HIV in Snohomish County. The Snohomish Health District offers confidential and anonymous HIV testing at two clinics. The test is $84, but waivers are available. For more information, call one of the numbers below.
Everett: 3020 Rucker Avenue, Suite 106. Appointments are recommended at 425-339-5298. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Walk-in clinic 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Lynnwood: 6101 200th St. SW, Suite 100. By appointment only at 425-339-5298. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays; walk-in clinics, 5 to 7 p.m., second and fourth Mondays.
Herald staff
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