More than 100 new HIV cases were reported in Hamilton County in 2016 and 2017.
The rate of Black males living with an HIV diagnosis is 5.9 times that of White males. The rate of Black females living with an HIV diagnosis is 12.4 times that of White females (aidsvu.org Ohio 2016). Learn where you can get HIV testing for FREE in Cincinnati. No insurance is needed. Hamilton County had more new cases of HIV reported in the first nine months of 2017 than during the entire previous year.
New cases of HIV in Hamilton County
All of 2016: 137
Through September 2017: 139
Source: Hamilton County Public Health
Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 gets tested at least once in their lifetime. For those who have high-risk factors, it is recommended to be tested at least once a year.
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High-Risk Factors
You should get tested once a year if you…
- Are a sexually active gay or bisexual man.
- Have had sex with someone who is HIV positive.
- Have had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test.
- Have shared needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs.
- Are pregnant.
- Have exchanged sex for drugs or money.
- Have another sexually transmitted disease, hepatitis, or tuberculosis.
- Have had sex with anyone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history you don’t know.
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Benefits of Getting Tested
There are many benefits to getting tested for HIV. Testing for HIV is the only way to know if you have HIV. Testing for HIV regularly and knowing your status is the key to keeping you and your partner(s) healthy. By getting tested, you can help to prevent the spread of HIV.
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Written by: Tâ’Keyah Grier, MPH. Health Educator at the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center at the University of Cincinnati.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans in the region. Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook, or text VOBC to 513-270-3880 for local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses.
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