Michigan: Ingham Urges More HIV Screenings

Ingham County and Lansing-area health officials say an uptick in new HIV infections starting in 2008 underscores the need for more HIV testing, particularly among African Americans and young people.

According to officials, the infection rate among blacks in the county is five times that of whites. Ingham was second only to Wayne County in HIV infection rates statewide in 2009. Data show Ingham recorded 29 new cases in 2005, 21 in 2006, 20 in 2007, 23 in 2008 and an estimated 25 last year. Approximately 150 Ingham residents are HIV-positive and do not know it, said county officials.

Dr. Peter Gulick, Ingham County Health Department's director of the HIV-hepatitis division, attributes its relatively high rate of reported infections to aggressive screening efforts. Other area counties perform fewer screenings, he said.

Several events are scheduled as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Sunday and Michigan's Fifth Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign. These include:

• On Feb. 8, the Lansing Area AIDS Network will provide free, anonymous HIV testing and counseling from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 913 W. Holmes Rd., Ste. 115, Lansing. No appointment is required.
• The Ingham County Health Department will offer free testing and counseling on Feb. 10 and 14, 8:30-10 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., on the agency's second floor, 5303 W. Cedar St., Lansing. No appointment is needed.
• The Black Child and Family Institute, 835 W. Genesee, Lansing, will host the community forum "HIV and African Americans" from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 16.
• The Michigan State University Case Hall Black Caucus will sponsor local observance of the fourth annual Women, Girls and HIV Awareness Day, 7-9 p.m., March 10 in Holden Hall. For more information, e-mail Jenise Noble at noblejen@msu.edu.

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