Know Where You Stand and Your Status: Your Power Over HIV

Did you know that there are approximately 11,000 people known to be living with HIV/AIDS in Colorado? And, what’s more- this number only reflects those aware of their infection, not the fact that 1 in 5 people living with HIV/AIDS are unaware of their status.

Do you know your status? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 18.1% of people aged 13 years and older living with HIV infection do not even know they are infected.  Getting tested, and encouraging your partner to get tested is the best way to make sure you are both safe. 

Join the nation and find out on National HIV Testing Day, Monday June 27, 2016.  On this day, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) will offer HIV testing and counseling for no charge.  Call 303-232-6301 to make your appointment! 

For more information, visit the Jefferson County Public Health website. 

Know the Facts! GYT: Get Yourself Tested

April marks the annual observance of STI Awareness Month, a month long observance to bring enthusiasm and focus to STI awareness and prevention efforts. JCPH is promoting the theme of Know the Facts! GYT: Get Yourself Tested during STI Awareness Month.  STIs affect people of all ages, yet these diseases take a particularly heavy toll on young people. GYT is a youthful, empowering, social movement to encourage young people to get tested and treated for STIs and HIV, as needed.  A December 2014 JAMA Pediatrics article found that one-third of all adolescents didn't talk about sexual health issues with their physicians during their annual health visit. Other research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows out that as much as half of the estimated 20 million STIs that occur in the U.S. each year are among young people.  For all of these reasons, health departments, health providers, educators and public health partners across the country want to make sure young people have access to accurate, helpful information about STI prevention and testing.

Jefferson County Public Health offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at our Lakewood location, 645 Parfet Street, Lakewood, CO 80215. If you have ever had a sexually transmitted infection, you may be at risk for HIV infection. JCPH also offers confidential HIV counseling and testing. All fees for STI clinic services are on a sliding scale. We can accept many forms of health insurance, please inquire. Please call 303-239-7078 to make an appointment.

• Learn more about JCPH’s STI services: http://jeffco.us/public-health/sexual-health-and-birth-control/sexually-transmitted-infections/
• Visit the CDC’s web page: www.cdc.gov/gyt.
• Visit the CDC web page to order free GYT posters, stickers, and postcards.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for the people living with HIV, and to commemorate those that have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half a million people have died of AIDS in the U.S. since the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemic– that is equivalent to the entire population of Jefferson County.

Did You Know?

• More than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in 6 (15.8%) are unaware of their infection.
  
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, particularly young black/African American MSM, are most seriously affected by HIV.
  
• By race, blacks/African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV. 

CDC estimates that 1,144,500 persons aged 13 years and older in the U.S. are living with HIV infection, including 180,900 (15.8%) who are unaware of their infection. That means the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is still very much present. So, this December 1st, Put the Red Ribbon back on and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Resources:

Jefferson County Public Health offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. If you have ever had a sexually transmitted disease, you may be at risk for HIV infection. JCPH also offers anonymous and confidential HIV counseling and testing. For more information or to make an appointment, call: (303) 232-7078. Also, download the JCPH HIV Testing and Counseling brochure.

For more statistics and information, visit CDC’s HIV in the United States page.

World AIDS Day December 1, 2013

World AIDS Day, December 1, 2013 serves as an important reminder to everyone that HIV/AIDS has not gone away. Since the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemic more than half a million people have died of AIDS in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Surveillance Report) – that is equivalent to the entire population of Jefferson County. There are currently more than one million people living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and approximately one-fifth of these are unaware of their infection.

That means the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is still very much present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 56,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year. So, this December 1st, Put the Red Ribbon back on and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Resources:

Jefferson County Public Health offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. If you have ever had a sexually transmitted disease, you may be at risk for HIV infection. JCPH also offers anonymous and confidential HIV counseling and testing. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact: 303-232-6301
Download the JCPH HIV Testing and Counseling brochure

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.htm
JCPH HIV Testing and Counseling Program

Need Birth Control or Other Reproductive Health & Family Planning Service

Did you know that Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) offers confidential family planning and reproductive health services with little wait time at two convenient locations?

 

§  Lakewood Clinic, 260 South Kipling Street - 303-239-7078

§  Arvada Clinic, 6303 Wadsworth Bypass - 303-275-7500

In the United States, almost half of all pregnancies are unintended.  Yet, many safe and highly effective methods of birth control are available to prevent unintended pregnancy.  Women with unintended pregnancies are less likely to obtain early prenatal care and their babies are at increased risks of both low birth weight and preterm birth, which can cause health and development issues all through their lives. An unintended pregnancy can also limit the education and employment opportunities of both parents often leading to significant financial challenges. 

That is why JCPH is dedicated to offering the following services:

• Pregnancy testing and all options counseling
• Treatment of minor gynecological problems
• Abstinence counseling
• Emergency Contraceptive Pill
• STD Clinic                            
• HIV Confidential Counseling & Testing 
• Teen Health Program

All services are confidential and parental consent is not necessary for minors.   In most cases, a birth control method can be started on your first appointment.  More information can be found at www.jeffco.us/health

Safe Sex

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is essential for healthy populations. JCPH supports all women’s and men’s rights to such access. The Family Planning Program provides comprehensive contraceptive services to Jefferson County residents. Services include education, counseling, medical examination, treatment and birth control methods for men and women.

Reproductive health and birth control (family planning) services are available at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale and to people with Medicaid. No one is denied services due to the inability to pay. 

 In addition to providing birth control pills and condoms to prevent unintended pregnancies, the department offers alternatives through long acting birth control methods. Remember, some activities are definitely high risk for HIV, STD and Hepatitis infection. Protect yourself and your partner . . . wear a condom and get tested!

For appointments in Lakewood: 303-239-7078 or in Arvada: 303-275-7500.

HIV Testing Day is June 27, 2012

June 27, 2012 is National HIV Testing Day. Across the country, public health partners will be encouraging people to take the test and take control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once, as part of their routine health care. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 21% of HIV-positive people don’t know they are infected and may be transmitting HIV without knowing it.

In Jefferson County, residents are encouraged to get tested and to learn more about HIV and the current status of the AIDS epidemic.

JCPH HIV Counseling and Testing Appointments

Arvada: 303-275-7555; Lakewood: 303-239-7078

HIV Counseling and Testing Program

JCPH HIV Recorded Information Line 303-239-7036