AIDS In Tri-state
By: LaTonya Stephens
Updated: November 30, 2007
World Aids Day is Saturday and according to national statistics, the epidemic is on the rise throughout the country and the tri-state.
The number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the Vanderburgh County alone is up from last year.
The Indiana State Department of Health says there were 220 people living with HIV and AIDS then. Now there are 276.
Randy Lewis is a vocal advocate for AIDS prevention and works to educate the public in this area.
He says there are myths out there that AIDS is just like diabetes now.
Saying people think all you have to do take medicine and youre fine.
Those at Matthew 25 who provide AIDS treatment know all too well about misconceptions about the disease.
They see more than 300 tri-staters living with disease..... getting 1 to 2 new cases every week.
They say it hits all ages, sexual preferences, and races... and rises every year.
Development Director Lindy Wicks says there are a lot of rural communities around the area that think they are not affected.
But they are says Wicks because of meth addiction and the lack of testing.
She says talking about the disease and getting tested is the only way to stop the spread of AIDS.
Matthew 25 provides free HIV testing four days a week.. and it only takes 20 minutes.
