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LAKEWOOD, Ohio – CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that despite advances in medical treatment, the diagnosis of new HIV infections has remained stable across the country. Moreover, Ohio Department of Health data reveal that Cuyahoga County has one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in Buckeye State.
With this knowledge, Signature Health is now offering fast, confidential and free HIV testing to anyone in the Cleveland area of Ashtabula, Beachwood, Maple Heights, Painesville, Willoughby and Lakewood. The latter takes place on Friday and additional services on HIV will soon be available.
"Signature Health is pleased to now offer a free HIV test in the Cleveland area," Jonathan Lee, CEO of Signature Health, said in a press release. "No appointments are needed and the results are available in 20 minutes, which is our promise to provide a service when you need help now.
"We are truly grateful to have the opportunity to make such a positive impact on lives."
Dr. Sarah Hoehnen, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at Signature Health, said the notion of offering free tests was important for the region, including Lakewood. Earlier this year, Signature Health moved to the INA building located at 14701 Detroit Ave.
"There are not many free walk-in HIV testing services in Lakewood, in particular," said Hoehnen. "These types of services and installing them in places where people actually live is a big problem."
Hoehnen is another big deal. Starting in October, it will improve Friday's HIV testing days. In addition to patients receiving HIV testing, referral services, mental health services and primary health care services, she will also be available this fall on the scene to begin the process immediately for people living with HIV. .
Hoehnen noted that advances in medicine have eliminated HIV infection, but incidents of the disease will not go away.
"It means we do not touch people, because when they are on HIV treatment, they do not spread the virus," said Hoehnen. "Even if we treat all these people under treatment, people continue to be infected, which means that some people are infected and do not know.
"And there are people who know that they are infected with HIV and for whatever reason they do not receive medical services."
These may be related to lack of insurance, mental problems and even denial. Hoehnen added that not having access to community-based care was also a problem, which Signature Health hopes to resolve with the new HIV services in Lakewood.
"The fact that people continue to be infected with HIV at the same rate as 10 years ago is really a problem," said Hoehnen. "That's why access to free local testing and local care is really important. We want HIV positive people to be identified and cared for. "
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