World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007,[1] and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007.

Did you know that as of Oct. 1, 2010, a total of 18,800 people were estimated to be living with HIV in Michigan, over half of whom have a diagnosis of AIDS?

Consider this:

• 59% of those infected are African-American, 35% are White, 4% are Hispanic, and 1% are other or of unknown race.

• Seventy-seven percent of those infected are males

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• Adolescents and young adult diagnoses have increased for the fifth consecutive year;

• Nearly three-fourths of the state's new cases among 13-19 year olds are Southeastern Michigan residents

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• Eighty five percent of newly diagnosed teens are African-American

Furthermore, teens are much more likely to be African-American males who have sex with males (MSM)

Events in Washtenaw County

Check out World AIDS Week @ U of M. See what's happening around the world

U-M Museum of Art Day With(out) Art Culture and Arts-related programming educate Ann Arbor on HIV/AIDS and provoking conversations about the disease. All day. Dec. 1. U-M Museum of Art, 525 S. State, Ann Arbor, http://www.umma.umich.edu. 734-763-UMMA.

World AIDS Week Committee at U-M HIV/AIDS in China U.S. and Chinese student perspectives on HIV/AIDS in China. Light refreshments served. 12:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 1080 South University, Ann Arbor. E-mail aidsweekum@umich.edu.

U-M Red Cross Student Organization HIV/AIDS Research Symposium Presentation on the current state of HIV/AIDS research. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2, U-M Diag, 3460 Mason Hall, Ann Arbor. E-mail aidsweekum@umich.edu.

U-M ONE Campaign Student Group-ONE Night Stand for HIV/AIDS Fun and exciting free concert dedicated to raising awareness and educating our community about HIV/AIDS. Concert will include U-M's most entertaining performance groups. 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Keene Theatre, 701 E. University, Ann Arbor. E-mail aidsweekum@umich.edu

Should I get an HIV Test?

There is no one face to HIV/AIDS anymore. Here in the Washtenaw County Public Health Department (WCPHD) we have diagnosed and assisted a mother with several school aged children, an elderly male, a married man, even adolescents just learning about sex and suddenly being diagnosed with HIV. So as you see HIV/AIDS can strike anyone.

The WCPHD tests everyone as a standard of care with our STD testing. And we have all types of HIV testing available; blood draw, Orasure (mouth swab) or the rapid test. Most clients are doing the rapid test; this entails a finger poke (like diabetics do) and the results are revealed in 15 minutes. After diagnosis, we assist with referrals into care, immunizations or assistance locating other partners.

Please call for an appointment 734-544-6840. or more information.

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