July 15, 2007
People lined up for information at the Circle of Care table for HIV Testing Day at the Bethel Hospital June 27.
People line up at hospital for HIV Testing Day
by Debbie Michael, YKHC Health Education
The chaos outside, with the traffic detours, didn’t put the brakes on for the people wanting the HIV test at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital. The Health Education and the Circle of Care Programs merged together for the very last time on June 27 for National HIV Testing Day.
Late morning brought a steady flow of spectators, information seekers, and test takers, which were followed by the fast-paced rush of the lunch crowd requesting to be tested. By the end of the day there were so many more people who preferred to be tested that that we had to schedule some time for the next day, and the next day. It’s good to see so many people wanting to know their HIV status. The CDC recommends that everyone from ages 13 years old to 65 years old know his or her HIV status.
Carl Evans will be heading over to Health Aide Support in Behavioral Health after he proudly waves the checkered flag from the winning Circle of Care Program.
At the beginning of the program, hardly anyone talked about HIV and/or AIDS. Thankfully, times have changed and now different communities, in Bethel and the surrounding villages, request information, presentations and HIV tests. After June 30, the Health Education Department will be prepared to take on HIV presentation requests. Please feel free to give them a call at 1-800-478-3321, ext. 6493. If you would like to take the 20-minute HIV-rapid test, you can set up and appointment and be seen at the YKDRH, call the appointment desk at 543-6442.