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The free HIV screenings offered to the community will be temporarily put on hold, according to officials at the United Medical Center’ s counseling center. The screenings will be placed on hiatus due to a change in the state mandated screening procedure and should only be temporary according to Connie Villarreal of the UMC. The screenings are expected to resume in about four weeks time.
The importance of regular screenings for anyone involved in potentially high risk activities is encouraged by health care workers. According to local reports, the rate of HIV infections is rising, especially among heterosexual couples, Hispanics, African Americans and especially women. According to the UMC, five new cases of HIV were detected in the region within the last year, these five now make up a group of about 50 currently being treated for HIV. The good news however, is that with the advent of new medications, a person infected with the HIV virus can lead a long healthy productive life. Ms. Villarreal recommends for everyone to be checked for the virus, regardless if a person thinks they have been infected or not. “It should be on your yearly check-up,” stated Ms. Villarreal. The UMC Health and Counseling Services Center currently serves the Eagle Pass, Carrizo, Brackettville and Del Rio areas.
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