For Immediate
Release
Sept. 21, 2006
WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC STRONGLY SUPPORTS CDC RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE HIV TESTING ROUTINE
Clinic Still Believes in Need for Pre- and Post-Test Counseling
WASHINGTON – Whitman-Walker Clinic today announced that it strongly supports the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations to make HIV testing routine. The Clinic believes that such testing, combined with pre- and post-test counseling, is the most effective way to treat individuals who are concerned about their HIV status.
“Nearly one-third of the one million Americans living with HIV do not know their HIV status,” said Donald Blanchon, Chief Executive Officer of Whitman-Walker Clinic. “That means that not only is their health endangered, but they could unknowingly pass the virus on to others.”
“Routine testing will help us to ensure that those who are HIV-positive get the treatment they need and receive the resources they need to keep their loved ones safe,” Blanchon said. “Studies show that, once someone knows they are HIV-positive, they are more likely to reduce unsafe behaviors. Routine testing could help to reduce the spread of the virus.”
“Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to providing such counseling for those who come to us for testing. We feel that, to be fully effective, a diagnosis should include an addressing of the patient’s emotional state, their personal support structure and their level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS.”
Established in 1973, Whitman-Walker
Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health
care and social services in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area. Through three sites, in the District of Columbia and
Northern Virginia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental
care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment;
HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; case
management; and a food bank. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed
to meeting the life needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.
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