As a new entrant into the oral fluid drug testing market, Aegis is enthusiastic about the positive response from the market and the expanded sales and marketing opportunity this method of testing offers the company. In this podcast, Jamey Yawn, the Sales Manager of Forensics at Aegis, discusses the company's recent implementation of oral fluid drug testing and the numerous benefits Aegis has realized working with OraSure Technologies to implement the offering.

Jamey Yawn, Sales Manager of Forensics at Aegis Sciences Corporation

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This year marks the 10th year for Holiday Hope Chests, a national project adopted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley in conjunction with other partners to help less fortunate children living in the Lehigh Valley. Collected Chests (shoeboxes) are being distributed in the Lehigh Valley through agencies serving children throughout the holiday season. Despite the tough economy, OraSure employees doubled their holiday donations to the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

A high percentage of children live in poverty in the Lehigh Valley. According to the United Way of the Lehigh Valley, 1/3 or 33% of Lehigh Valley children live in low-income households (family of 4) of $40,000 or less.

Watch the video: http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1308287

OraSure employees deliver over 300 Holiday Hope Chests to the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

OraSure Employees Sheryl Richter, Barbara Keller, and Amy Wimer participate in the 10th annual Holiday Hope Chest campaign.

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“Earlier this week, the city lost a leader, the state a statesman and the country a champion,” said Debra Fraser-Howze, Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs at OraSure and founder of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. “I had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Dennis for nearly 30 years, as he fought to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and to increase HIV testing and prevention throughout the Latino community. Dennis touched the lives of many of us here at OraSure and we will miss him dearly.”

For 15 years, Dennis was the President of the Latino Commission on AIDS, a national service and advocacy organization addressing HIV/AIDS and health disparities in the Latino community nationwide. In his capacity as Commission President, Dennis served as the Manhattan delegate on the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which reviewed police misconduct allegations, and on several other boards, including the New York City HIV/AIDS Planning Group, Gay Men's Health Crisis, Housing Works, and the Federal AIDS Policy Partnership.

Prior to his tenure at the Commission, Dennis served as Chair/Commissioner for the New York City Commission on Human Rights, where he enforced human rights laws and increased cooperation between diverse ethnic and racial communities.

“The Latino Commission on AIDS has lost a great leader and we have lost a great friend,” said Douglas A. Michels, President and Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. “I know the Commission will continue to carry out the great work that Dennis began and as Company, we stand committed, more than ever, to further grow our partnership with the Commission to ensure that Dennis' legacy lives on.”

Dennis deLeon (center with sportscoat) and the staff at the Latino Commission on AIDS pose with donated OraQuick test kits for National Latino AIDS Awareness Day in 2008.

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According to a new report issued by the UK Health Protection Agency on December 11, 2009, entitled “Hepatitis C in the UK - The Health Protection Agency Annual Report 2009,” it is currently estimated that approximately 185,000 individuals in the UK are chronically infected with Hepatitis C, including more than 8,000 people who were diagnosed in 2008 in England.

OraSure recently spoke with Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, the national charity for HCV in the United Kingdom, about his perspectives on Hepatitis C in the UK and the potential impact rapid oral fluid testing could have on enabling them to reach more people who would otherwise not have access to testing.

Listen to the Podcast

Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, the national charity for HCV in the United Kingdom

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For example, in Italy, we are supporting Milan's HIV Reference Center and the launch of a mobile HIV testing initiative– among the first of its kind in the country. In South Korea, we are supporting the country's World AIDS Day launch of a new, progressive initiative that will bring HIV testing to dental offices throughout the country. The dental HIV testing program will leverage OraQuick ADVANCE® and its rapid oral fluid testing capability.

While in the U.S., OraSure is helping to promote dozens of events nationwide. Through the distribution of palm cards, posters and banners, sites have been able to promote HIV testing and the events they are holding in conjunction with World AIDS Day.

Please join in honoring those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and to also continue the drive forward in the fight against this epidemic.

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NLAAD is a nationwide call to action for Latinos to protect their lives and the lives of those they love by getting tested and learning about HIV. With the theme, "United We Can Stop HIV and Prevent AIDS", NLAAD is a day of action and awareness.

OraSure has provided public relations support for NLAAD to raise awareness about the importance of testing and prevention of HIV, in addition to contributing OraQuick ADVANCE® rapid HIV tests to more than 75 community health organizations specifically for use on National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.

Leading up to NLAAD, the New York City NLAAD Planning Committee and Council member Melissa Mark-Viverito hosted a kickoff event on October 7th to draw attention to the critical role of HIV testing and prevention education play in stemming the spread of AIDS.

At the kickoff event, Miss Dominican Republic U.S. (Mariela Lucas), Dr. Monica Sweeney (NYC DOHMH, Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control) and Carlos Santos (MTV3res) all took the OraQuick ADVANCE® rapid HIV test using a simple oral fluid sample in front of the public to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS prevention among Latinos.

Latinos continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They comprise over 24.3% percent of HIV/AIDS cases nationwide (CDC). There are 94,000 people known to be living with HIV/AIDS in NYC; of that total number, 28 percent are Hispanic/Latino (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). New York State is the state with the highest number of Latinos living with HIV/AIDS (CDC).

At the National Latino AIDS Awareness Day kickoff event on October 7th in NYC, Miss Dominican Republic U.S., Mariela Lucas, takes the OraQuick rapid HIV Test to draw attention to the critical role of HIV testing and prevention education play in stemming the spread of AIDS among Latinos.

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In December 2008, led by Dr. Charles Hicks and Dr. Mehri McKellar, Duke University Hospital launched a two-year routine HIV testing pilot program in the Hospital's emergency room department. The program aims to address the growing number of infections in the Southeastern states and utilizes two groups of testers– pastoral counselors and medical student volunteers – to offer testing to patients admitted to the ER. Since January of 2009, over 1000 patients have been approached and nearly 700 were screened for HIV using OraQuick ADVANCE®.

Dr. McKellar spent time with OraSure recently, discussing the progress of the Hospital's routine testing pilot program and what's in-store for the program in the future.

Listen to the Podcast

Mehri McKellar, M.D., is an infectious disease specialist and researcher at Duke University Hospital. Dr. McKellar also serves as an assistant professor at Duke University Medical School.

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Obstacles included gender issues related to staffing and observing urine sample collection, limited ability to protect against urine sample adulteration and the drain on resources due to the length of time and number of staff members needed to conduct urine-based testing. ARTC recognized the need for a drug testing system that would address these challenges and they turned to OraSure's Intercept® Oral Fluid Drug Test.

Oral fluid drug testing with Intercept® enables ARTC staff to directly observe sample collection and eliminates the need for restroom facilities. As a result, the Clinic has increased the number of patients that can be tested at one time, decreased the incidences of sample adulteration, as well as increased patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Robert Sage, Senior Vice President, Division of Human Services, ARTC, sat down with OraSure to talk about the challenges of traditional urine-based drug testing and the highly positive impact that oral fluid drug testing has had on ARTC's drug testing program.

Listen to the Podcast

Dr. Robert Sage, Senior Vice President, Division of Human Services Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation

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VIP Smiles is a progressive, New York City-based dental practice lead by expert cosmetic dentist, Dr. Austin. Responding to the CDC's recommendation for routine HIV screening and the high rate of HIV infection in New York City, Dr. Austin partnered with the New York State Department of Health to launch a routine HIV testing program at her dental practice.

The program was launched in early August and leverages OraQuick ADVANCE®. As part of the routine testing program, all patients who enter the office will be offered an oral fluid HIV test. VIP Smiles sees hundreds of patients per month and hopes to serve as a model for dentists across the country.

On Saturday, October 17, Dr. Austin will speak on the Technical Assistance Panel at the 2009 Conference on Oral Pathology & Rapid HIV Testing in the Dental Setting at the New York University College of Dentistry. The conference is devoted to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry in service to the public.

Watch the Video

Dr. Catrise Austin, D.D.S., discusses the importance of routine HIV screening and why dental practices make an ideal location for routine screening programs.

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Howard University Hospital is located in Washington D.C. and serves a local population that represents the highest incidence rate of HIV infection in the country. The Hospital launched its routine HIV testing program in October 2006 – both to help the City meet its goal of having every citizen know their HIV status and in response to the revised guidelines for HIV testing issued by the CDC in September of 2006 that recommend routine screening regardless of risk.

The program offers HIV screening with OraQuick ADVANCE® to every patient in the outpatient, inpatient and emergency room settings. Since the launch of the program, the Hospital has tested more than 28,500 patients and connected more than 250 patients to care. Howard University Hospital's program has been a resounding success and serves as a model for hospitals across the Country.

Listen to the Podcast

Dr. Celia Maxwell, Assistant Vice President of Health Services at Howard Hospital. Dr. Maxwell is also the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Management and Research and the Director of HIV routine screening program at the Hospital.

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"Test Fest" is part of "Virus," a multi-faceted HIV Testing campaign recently launched by the Office of AIDS Programs and Policy that is designed to make Angelenos ask the question: "Could I have HIV?" The campaign includes a series of "Test-Fest" events that bring HIV testing mobile units into the community.

The first "Test-Fest" event took on July 25, 2009, and included live entertainment with approximately 10 mobile HIV testing units at the event. More than 200 Southern California residents were tested with OraQuick ADVANCE® and received their results before leaving the event.

Local participants stand in front of one of approximately 10 mobile testing vans used in the first ever "Test-Fest" event at Ted Watkins County Park in Los Angeles to help normalize HIV testing and make it as convenient as possible. PHOTO BY ERASEDOUBT.ORG

"We developed a campaign around the idea that people go through several stages when considering HIV and how the disease affects them," said Mario J. Pérez, Director, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy. "Our goal is to move people from assessing their risk, to questioning whether or not they have HIV and finally getting tested and, if necessary, seeking treatment."

The next Test-Fest event is estimated to take place in October.

Watch the Video

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From October 2005 to April 2009, 33,325 patients were approached in the Jacobi and North Central Bronx emergency departments and urgent care areas and 29,094 agreed to be tested for HIV. Of those, 134 were newly diagnosed with HIV and connected to care.

The success of Project BRIEF has been recognized on a national and international level and the program serves as a model program for routine HIV testing across the country.

Watch the Video

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The Center, one of the largest rapid testing sites in Southern Florida, expanded its HIV testing programs in 2005 as a result of the CDC's MMWR publication (June 2005) that indicated that more South Florida men who have sex with men (MSM's) were unaware of their status than in most other urban locations.

In 2006, The Center introduced OraQuick ADVANCE® in an effort to make the process easier and more accessible for the increased number of MSM's who were seeking HIV testing. Since introducing OraQuick ADVANCE®, the Center has increased the number of MSM's who are tested by 400%.

Read the complete interview.

Jorge Gardela, Health and Community Services Manager at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida

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In an effort to increase the number of people who know their HIV status and help stem the spread of HIV in America, Congresswoman Waters introduced the Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 2137) which would require health insurance plans to cover voluntarily routine opt-out HIV testing under the same terms and conditions as other routine health screenings, such as cholesterol and diabetes screenings.

Standard health insurance plans generally cover HIV screening only when there are known risk factors present for HIV or when there are clinical indications of infection, such as symptoms of AIDS. This is in direct contrast to the CDC's HIV testing guidelines, which recommend routine testing for all individuals aged 13 to 64, regardless of risk.

"OraSure commends Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other congressional leaders who are fighting for legislation that will help stem the spread of HIV in America and who are standing in support of the CDC's recommendations for routine HIV testing for all Americans, regardless of risk," said Douglas A. Michels, President and Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. "Testing is the first step in prevention. By making HIV testing a standard part of the routine health examinations covered by health insurance providers, millions more people will be tested and will learn their status each year, enabling HIV positive people to seek immediate care."

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) of the 35th District of California is currently serving her tenth term in the House of Representatives

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The newly updated consent requirements will remove significant barriers to routine HIV testing within the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), making it possible to implement broad-scale, routine HIV screening in alignment with the CDC's recommendation for routine HIV testing for all patients aged 13 to 64, regardless of risk. The VA is the largest integrated healthcare provider in the United States and the single largest provider of HIV care.

"OraSure commends the Department of Veterans' Affairs for updating its consent requirements for HIV testing and removing the barriers that have for years limited access to HIV screening and counseling for veterans," said Douglas A. Michels, President and Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. "As the single largest provider of HIV services in the Unites States, the VA's actions of ensuring access to testing for all veterans sends a loud and clear message to the healthcare community that HIV testing is the first step in stemming the spread of the HIV crisis. By increasing access to testing, the VA will enable more people learn their status and will empower them to get the care they need to live long and healthy lives."

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GMHC set-up an on-site testing clinic and offered free HIV tests to attendees. Attendees were offered OraQuick ADVANCE® oral fluid rapid HIV tests and received their results in just twenty minutes. Nearly 100 convention attendees were tested and 100% learned their status. GHMC also distributed HIV prevention materials including educational literature and sexual protection.

GMHC's CEO and one of the Agency's HIV testing administrators took time to speak with us about the importance of rapid oral fluid testing and the impact OraQuick ADVANCE® has had on patients' willingness to be tested.

Marjorie Hill, CEO, GMHC, shares her thoughts on why rapid oral fluid testing is critical in the fight against HIV.

Manuel Sanchez, HIV Testing Administrator, GMHC, discusses the importance of providing HIV testing outside of traditional clinical setting.

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In recognition of her monumental efforts, Ms. Fraser-Howze, Vice President of Government and External Affairs at OraSure, has received the Scroll of Merit, the National Medical Association's (NMA) highest honor.

The Scroll of Merit is given in recognition of unique exceptional achievement in medicine, science, education or public service. The award was conferred on July 25th at the NMA's Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in Las Vegas.

Ms. Fraser-Howze has been selected for this high honor because of her important contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the African American community. Ms. Fraser-Howze was the first to mobilize a broad coalition of African American Leaders that included clergy, political leaders, community based organizations and medical professionals in the fight against HIV/AIDS at a time when many were unaware of the disease or the danger to the community.

Prior to joining OraSure, Ms. Fraser-Howze served as the President/CEO of National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), an organization she founded in 1987. NBLCA conducts policy, research and advocacy on HIV and AIDS to ensure effective participation of its leadership in all policy and resource allocation decisions at the national, state and local levels of communities of African descent nationwide. NBLCA is now the largest Black HIV and AIDS non-profit organization of its kind in America.

Ms. Debra Fraser-Howze, Vice President of Government and External Affairs, OraSure Technologies

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The Get Text-ed for HIV campaign was launched the day before the 15th annual National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27. Using a mobile phone, any city resident can send a text message with 'PA' plus their 5 digit 'ZIP CODE' (i.e. PA 19019) to phone number (36363) and receive a free text message with HIV/AIDS information on the HIV testing center location nearest to them.

After the first day, the Get Text-ed for HIV campaign generated 100 new users. More than 60 HIV testing sites throughout Philadelphia are participating in the program. The free service allows residents to receive testing site information in a private and confidential manner.

"We are excited to launch this new innovative campaign promoting the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention and testing in Philadelphia," said Jane Baker, Director of the AIDS Activities Coordinating Office. "This program employs a technology that is already in use among many of the at-risk groups in our city, particularly among young people, who account for more than 18% of new HIV cases in Philadelphia. Our hope is that it becomes an effective tool for increasing HIV testing in our communities."

To kickoff the launch, Senator Vincent Hughes swabbed his mouth with the OraQuick ADVANCE® HIV test to demonstrate the ease-of-use of the first and only FDA approved, rapid oral HIV test that provides greater than 99% accurate results in 20 minutes. Click here to see Senator Hughes taking OraQuick.

HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health crisis in the US including Philadelphia. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, there are approximately 24,668 reported cases to date of HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia.

State Senator Vincent Hughes swabs his mouth with the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV Test to draw attention to the critical role HIV testing and prevention education play in stemming the spread of AIDS in Philadelphia. PHOTO BY RON ALLEN

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, state Sen. Vincent Hughes (3rd from left) was joined by (l to r) Gloria Casarez, City of Philadelphia, William Brawner, Haven Youth Center; Chris Ambrose, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Jane Baker, AIDS Activities Coordinating Office; David Acosta, AIDS Activities

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Mayors showed their support of National HIV Testing Day by hosting HIV testing campaigns in their cities, conducting press conferences, issuing proclamations, and leading by example by receiving an HIV test to demonstrate the importance of knowing your HIV status.

OraSure's Mayors Campaign Against HIVTM is coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS, the nation's oldest organization representing individuals who are HIV positive.

Athens-Clarke Mayor Heidi Davison takes an OraQuick ADVANCE® rapid oral fluid HIV test at AIDS Athens. Photo courtesy of Athens Banner Herald.

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Joining OraSure's CEO Doug Michels and Mr. Oldham, Jr. on the podium for the ceremony were several special guests, including NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Dr. Monica Sweeney, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention & Control, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Jason Leider and Dr. Yvette Calderon of the North Bronx Healthcare Network of Jacobi and North Central Bronx Hospitals, who run a nationally acclaimed HIV testing program that demonstrates the significant impact of implementing routine HIV testing in healthcare settings, and Broderick Singletary, an HIV-positive individual who was diagnosed through the program at Jacobi several years ago and now speaks out about the importance of learning your HIV status.

Featured during the open and on the NASDAQ Tower in Times Square was a video of "The Bronx Knows" – the successful HIV testing program at Jacobi.

Click here to view the webcast of the event:
http://www.nasdaq.com/reference/200906/market_open_062609.stm

OraSure and special guests open the NASDAQ stock market on June 26th for National HIV Testing Day.

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The testing event took place during the Tim Richmond Memorial ARCA RE/MAX 200 and paid tribute to motorsports legend Tim Richmond, known as a highly successful driver whose life was cut short due to the AIDS virus in 1989. Richmond competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series (currently the Sprint Cup Series) and was one of Hendrick Motorsports most successful drivers, launching the team to contender status while still in its infancy.

As a tribute to the legend, OraSure Technologies, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Rural AIDS Advisory Group and Richland health teamed up with G-Force Motorsports Marketing, The Goddard Marketing Group and Venturini Motorsports to promote HIV and AIDS awareness in the racing community.

"We are excited to be a part of the HIV/AIDS awareness and testing event because I don't believe folks realize how many people are affected by this disease," said Venturini Motorsports team principal, Billy Venturini. "We see the need for everyone to get tested, so they know their status. It is quick and easy, and we hope all fans and competitors will take a few minutes to get the facts."

This event highlights how HIV/AIDS acceptance and adoption continue to take positive steps within the NASCAR and racing community. Fans who participated in the testing were each given a free t-shirt and entered to win a Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along Experience to be used at one of the 20 locations across the country.

ARCA Re/Max driver Tim George Jr. swabs his mouth with the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test to draw attention to the critical role of HIV testing and prevention education play in stemming the spread of AIDS in the racing community. PHOTO BY GODDARD MARKETING GROUP

ARCA truck series driver Mike Young swabs his mouth with the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test preceding the Tim Richmond Memorial ARCA RE/MAX 200. PHOTO BY GODDARD MARKETING GROUP

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OraSure employees hit the streets with approximately 45,000 participants and raised $5.6 million, according to Gay Men's Health Crisis, which is one of over 50 local AIDS service organizations that benefits from the annual fundraising event.

Since its launch in 1986, AIDS Walk New York has raised over $100 million and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the world. The event is also the world's largest walkathon.

Employees and family members from OraSure Technologies prepare for the 2009 AIDS Walk in New York City.

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Ten years ago, DeShea Townsend began hosting football clinics for the city's youth to provide a fun, safe, one-day escape to learn fundamental football skills. A decade later, in conjunction with Townsend's 10th annual football camp, the South Panola High School alumnus and defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers added a community health awareness fair in Batesville.

As part of the Health Fair, Townsend, along with teammate James Farrior took the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV test using a simple oral fluid sample to draw attention to the critical role of HIV testing and prevention education play in stemming the spread of AIDS and to show people how simple getting tested can be with rapid oral fluid testing.

OraSure donated rapid HIV tests to the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center to help educate local residents about the importance of testing and prevention of HIV. Approximately 50 local residents were tested at the Health Fair.

At the first annual Pay it Forward Health Fair in Batesville, Mississippi, Batesville native and two-time Superbowl champ DeShea Townsend swabs his mouth with the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV Test to draw attention to the critical role HIV testing and prevention education play in stemming the spread of AIDS in Mississippi. PHOTO BY MYRA BEAN, THE PANOLIAN

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The introduction of rapid testing with oral fluid has enabled Open Door to administer HIV testing within the community through its mobile testing unit. With the rapid oral fluid test, Open Door has been able to help remove barriers to HIV testing, because community members are able to take the test – a quick swab of the mouth, which requires no needles and no blood – and get their results in as little as 20 minutes. Community members can get tested and walk away with the certainty that they are getting accurate results – they view OraQuick ADVANCE as a test they can trust, and Open Door as a facility they can trust. In 2008, Open Door administered approximately 1,400 HIV tests through their mobile testing units.

In the following video, Open Door Family Medical Centers' Director of HIV Services, Andrea Beltran Ruggiero, discusses how the use of rapid testing with oral fluid through Open Door's mobile units is helping to remove barriers to HIV testing throughout the communities of Westchester County, NY.

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Local Veterans, including Gerry Gunari, First Vice President of Pennsylvania's AMVETS chapter and OraSure employees were in attendance.

Congressman Dent is a long-time advocate of HIV testing and prevention and the legislation he championed, which was signed into law, includes a freestanding bill that modernizes the HIV testing policies of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill includes a provision that repeals the 1988 Veterans Benefits and Services law which has limited the implementation of the CDC guidelines for routine HIV testing, counseling and early diagnosis in healthcare settings that were issued in 2006.

By repealing this law, the VA can now adopt the CDC's recommendation of streamlined counseling and can implement routine HIV screening in VA health care settings.

Susan Brink of the Los Angeles Times offers a great summary of the new bill that will make HIV testing guidelines routine within the VA. According to Brink, "another obstacle to routine screening for HIV is about to fall, this time for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the nation's largest provider of HIV care."

The VA system is the largest health care system in the U.S., making it the single largest provider of HIV care. There are 24 million veterans alive today and 5 million veterans receive services from the VA System. Approximately 23,000 Veterans are HIV Positive.

OraSure Technologies' President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Doug Michels, left, presents a gift to Congressman Charles W. Dent, in recognition of his efforts introducing legislation to make HIV test kits more available for vets. The event was held at OraSure Technologies, Bethlehem, PA, Monday March 9, 2009. Other special guests were Gerard Gurnari and Richard White, both of AMVETS, and Charles Jackson, of VFW District 8. PHOTO BY LISA MASSEY

OraSure Technologies' US Military veteran employees (gathered near left of photo) are among those attending the recognition event at OraSure with Congressman Charles W. Dent, and local representatives from AMVETS and VFW Monday March 9, 2009. PHOTO BY LISA MASSEY

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University of South Alabama News
Sexual health concerns deplete resources at SHC
February 23, 2009

As winter warms into summer, there is much more to keeping healthy than just keeping your body toned and tanned: Keep it fine-tuned by being sexually healthy this spring.

Last week, University of South Alabama observed Minority AIDS Awareness Week by offering a free Oraquick Rapid HIV testing Feb. 16 and 17 at the Student Health Center. All testing remained confidential, and results were determined within 20 minutes. Due to the testing's popularity, supplies were depleted before the second day of tests could even begin.

The SHC has stated plans to host another free rapid HIV testing on March 9 and 10, which will prepare everyone by knowing their sexual health status before setting off for Spring Break.

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Chicago Sun-Times
Patients waiting in ER offered free HIV test
February 13, 2009

More than 80% give oral sample: hospital

People waiting to be seen in the emergency room at Advocate Trinity Hospital in the Calumet Heights neighborhood don't just get forms to fill out. They're also offered a free HIV test, no matter why they're there.

It's part of an unusual program aimed at getting more people tested for HIV.

Since the program began last May, more than 5,000 people have been tested. The number of people who tested positive was not immediately available.

"We don't wait for patients to come to us," said Donna Sinclair, HIV coordinator for the Southeast Side hospital's emergency department. "Instead, our health educators go to each patient awaiting treatment and provide them with a wealth of information—everything from how the virus is spread, to who is at risk, to what they need to know about the test."

Fewer than 20 percent of people approached to take the oral HIV test decline, according to Sinclair. The results are back in 20 minutes.

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ECHO Magazine
Get Tested
July 10, 2008

The mayor of Phoenix joined volunteers and concerned citizens in efforts to raise awareness for national HIV Testing Day on June 27. Phil Gordon held his fourth annual press conference at Higher Heights Church to educate the Valley on the importance of HIV/AIDS testing. "A lot of people still have in their impression HIV/AIDS is somehow related to homosexual orientation, or punishing people for what they have done. Neither of those issues are further away from the truth," Gordon said. National HIV Testing Day is a nationwide effort to promote the benefits of being tested for HIV/AIDS. Nearly 25 percent of the HIV-positive population in the U.S. is unaware they have contracted the disease. In the last few years HIV testing has advanced significantly, from a mind-numbing waiting process to immediate notification. "No longer does an HIV test require blood or needles... but rather an oral swab," Gordon said.

OraSure technologies donated 300 OraQuick antibody tests to the Arizona Department of Health. "The test is safe, painless and accurate›it requires just a swab of oral fluid and is greater than 99 percent accurate. Results are available in 20 minutes," according to information supplied by the Mayor's Campaign Against HIV. Judy Norton, office chief for the Arizona Department of Health, has been helping her community deal with HIV since the late '80s. Her program helps prevent, fund and counsel individuals affected by the disease.

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