County health officials are encouraging residents to get tested
for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, on World AIDS Day this
Thursday. As of June 2011, there are 3,251 people living with
AIDS in Riverside County and another 1,581 people living with
HIV, according to the Riverside County Department of Public
Health. According to some estimates by regional health
officials, more than 3,400 people have HIV in Riverside and San
Bernardino counties and do not know they are infected.
“Knowledge is the first step in taking control of your health
and your future,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, interim health
officer for Riverside County. Between 1983 and June 2011, there
were 2,760 AIDS-related deaths in Riverside County. Riverside
County health officials are encouraging residents to contact
their health professionals and get tested for HIV. For more
information or to find free testing locations, visit the
Riverside County HIV/AIDS Program website at:
www.rivcohivaids.org or call toll free 1-800-243-7275.