Martin County, Fla., Upping Ante for Countywide HIV/AIDS Awareness

The Martin County Health Department recently held its first HIV/AIDS Symposium, where health care providers, activists, and clergy discussed the virus and ways to prevent its spread.

"We have large numbers to the north [St. Lucie] and to the south [Palm Beach], so we cannot feel like we're immune to this disease," said Nishay Clark, a department representative.

Data show the county recorded 16 new HIV and seven new AIDS cases in 2009, and 309 residents are living with HIV/AIDS. Clark cautioned that these numbers do not include those persons who do not know they are infected or have not been tested for HIV.

Dr. Moti Ramgopal, an infectious-disease specialist who spoke about treatment approaches, noted that risky behavior among young people is of particular concern in the county. "I don't think we are doing enough in schools to keep this from going on," said Ramgopal. "I don't think we're doing enough to say HIV is still an epidemic."

Health department epidemiologist Dr. Karen Thomas called the symposium the first step toward improving countywide awareness. The county is planning additional outreach, programming in schools, and enhanced testing and treatment, she said. A county-wide survey will also help guide efforts. The goal is to have a better grasp, in three to five years, of the disease's impact.

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