KBIA Local
(2009-06-29)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
So far this year, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, or Rain, has seen an 18 percent increase HIV-positive people seeking assistance across the north central part of Missouri. The Executive Director of Rain, Cale Mitchell, says this includes both new people who are testing HIV-positive well as people who are now seeking financial assistance managing their health.
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"There are several of us who have been with the organization for five or more years and for the first four years none of us have actually ever tested a positive. And now that has significantly changed we really have to prepare ourselves for the possibility that we're going to find a positive"
Dustin Hampton is the Education and Testing Coordinator for Rain. He says getting tested for HIV is something people should get done every six months, just to be safe."Everyone should come out and get tested for HIV. It's really important. It should be a regular thing just like getting your blood pressure checked, just stay on top of your health."
Rain offers free HIV and STD testing Monday through Thursday at their office on Wilkes Blvd, in Columbia. © Copyright 2012, KBIA