In the two decades since AIDS was first recognized, great strides
have been made in treating HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and
preventing or treating secondary infections that can accompany it.
While no cure exists yet, many people are living longer, healthier
lives thanks to these medical advances. However, far too many people
learn too late that they are infected, missing years of early treatment,
placing others at risk and giving HIV the opportunity to extensively
damage their immune system.
To prevent the spread and progression of HIV, CCDPH urges people
who have a history of high risk behavior, or are aware of their
partners’ past high risk behavior, to get tested. CCDPH offers
free, anonymous and confidential testing for HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS, and is available to all residents of suburban Cook
County regardless of financial eligibility. Individuals at very
high risk include people with HIV positive partners, injection drug
users and their sexual partners and males who have had unprotected
sex with other males and their heterosexual partners. At moderately
high risk are people who have engaged in unprotected sex in exchange
for money or drugs, have engaged in unprotected sex while intoxicated
or were previously diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.
The health department provides a number of educational, support
and prevention services for suburban residents. Case managers can
assist financially eligible patients to take advantage of basic
services, including physician visits, lab work, primary dental care,
mental health services, nutritional counseling and rehabilitation.
Qualified individuals may be entitled to free medication. In addition,
family members and friends may obtain support services through the
program. Any HIV/AIDS infected person residing in suburban Cook
County may qualify for the program. All information is confidential.
CCDPH also partners with community organizations by funding prevention
programs targeting residents at highest risk for HIV infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between
650,000 and 900,000 Americans are infected with HIV and more than
200,000 Americans do not know they are infected.
For more information on CCDPH free, confidential HIV counseling
and testing services, please call 708-492-2190.
