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Published: June 26, 2009 07:33 pm
Readers' Forum: June 27, 2009
A chance to test your HIV status
As an HIV prevention specialist, I was very concerned regarding the recent epidemic of the novel HINI influenza (“Swine Flu”), which began in Mexico and rapidly spread throughout the world. The current flu epidemic, however, does not compare to the other epidemic that has been continuing for the past 25 years: HIV.
In the United States, there are currently more than 1 million cases of HIV infection with approximately 250,000 of those individuals unaware of their diagnosis. In the Wabash Valley, we currently have just over 325 documented cases of HIV/AIDS and an estimated additional 80 people who are infected but unaware of their status. Although the prevention of HIV will ultimately depend on major changes in personal sexual behavior, it is clearly beneficial for individuals with HIV to be diagnosed early in order to take advantage of effective antiretroviral therapy and to decrease the spread of the infection.
Today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. Wabash Valley PATH and the Disciples HIV/AIDS Ministry will provide free anonymous HIV testing at Central Christian Church, 4950 East Wabash Ave., from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. We provide testing services throughout the Valley via our mobile testing unit and we encourage anyone who is not aware of their current HIV status to get tested.
We can be contacted online at www.wvpath.org or by calling (812) 232-1381, Ext. 343.
— Jody Grieb
Executive Director Wabash Valley PATH
Tire Amnesty Day a major success
On June 6, 2009, another Vigo County Health Department Tire Amnesty Day was successfully held thanks to the effort from the Vigo County government, the Terre Haute city government and private citizens. The volunteers and workers donated time and energy to make the program a success by loading around 9,000 old and abandoned tires from trucks, cars and trailers brought to the Vigo County Fairgrounds, eliminating a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes that may have the potential for carrying the West Nile Virus.
Tire Amnesty Day is designed to enhance Vigo County Health Department programs already in place such as public education, fogging the city and the county; larviciding the storm drains along with any stagnant water in the city and county and the Vigo County Tire Storage Ordinance.
We would like to extend our sincere thank you to the Vigo County Fair Board for allowing the use of the Fairgrounds. Also, a big “thanks” to the Terre Haute City Environmental Code Enforcement Division: Marty Dooley, Tyler Fromm, Rance Barnby, Tim Manley and Gene Frances, Gary Huxel, Laurie Tharp and Jamie Jenkins. Hal Orndorff from the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department patiently worked a Bobcat Skid Steer loader at the event.
Also, thanks to volunteers Vigo County Commissioner Judith Anderson, Dr. Robert Burkle, Dr. Irving Haber, Dr. Darren Brucken and Jeff DePasse of the Vigo County Board of Health, Vigo County Community Corrections, Bryan Price from the Indiana State Department of Health, second-year students from the IU School of Medicine participating in the Lugar Center Summer Rural Hoosier Preceptorship Program — Brad Hirsch, Kyra Reed, Min Qi, Matt Dupre and Adam Amos.
Volunteers from the general public that donated their time were; Christopher Grayless, Mike Musgrove, Arty Jackson, Tony Edwards, Logan Edwards, Mickey Jacobs, John Slavens, Chris Wingler, Joe Peters, Hal Roan, Chris Novak, Jeremy Kiger, Jessica Kiger, Brandon Bland, Jeff Coombs, Jamie Barish, Alan Grayless, Joey Higgins, Jim Schepper and Zack Wise.
The Health Department workers included Dr. Enrico Garcia, Dr. James Turner, Joni Foulkes, Connie Malooley, Richard Hoffman, Nan Engle, Angela Boyd, Vicky Clark, Teresa Jackson, Marci DeBoy, Megan Bland, Travella Myers, Rhonda Coombs, Steve Thompson, Trella Schepper, Gail Whitfield, L. Mike Grayless, Tony Grayless, Quint Grayless, Warren Sweitzer, Bob Rea, David Higgins, Mark McClintock, Kim Edwards, Ryan Wise and Donald Shafer.
The looks of gratification on the faces of everyone involved reflected a job well done and the knowledge they had done a service to the community. Thanks to everyone for another successful Tire Amnesty Day in Vigo County.
— Joni Kay Foulkes
Administrator
Vigo County Health Dept.
Don’t give up on fight against drugs
While I usually agree with most of what Mr. Derry writes, I can’t believe he wants to legalize drugs. Just because we’re still losing the battle doesn’t mean we give up the fight.
How about murder? We can’t stop that, so why not legalize it? Child abuse? Why not legalize it? After all, if someone wants to hit their kid, it is their kid. I know, bribes … at least elected officials can then stay in office.
Sounds pretty stupid doesn’t it?
Edmund Burke said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Is this what we’ve come to? We can’t fix the problem so let them do what they want? Hmmmmm, I know some parents like this.
— Patty Cottom
Terre Haute
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