Florida: Women's Clinic Will Target HIV and AIDSSeptember 9, 2003 The Lake County, Fla., Health Department is partnering with
Community Medical Care Center to offer a women's health clinic on
Friday afternoons. CMCC will offer gynecologic and HIV treatment,
and testing for STDs, HIV and pregnancy from 1-5 p.m. The clinic
will charge a sliding fee and will accept Medicaid and private
insurance.
Adapted from:"Our target is not only uninsured, but the underinsured -- those who may not have benefits that cover basic GYN services or can't get in to see a physician for HIV services," said Kevin Lenhart, a spokesperson for the health department. HIV testing is particularly important for women, said Alelia Munroe of the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families in Orlando. It can help protect them -- and their children. "They need to get tested to know exactly what their status is," she said. "Treatment is available to prolong life. The earlier you know, the better off you'll be," said Munroe. Resident feedback led to the idea of offering HIV services at the women's clinic, said Dr. Howard Vesser, president of CMMC. Though the Health Department offers HIV services in clinics in Umatilla, Tavares and Lake-Sumpter Community College, those services were badly needed in Leesburg, Vesser said. "There are many people who don't even know they have the virus. We want to reach out and get them tested," he said. Back to other news for September 9, 2003 Orlando Sentinel 09.04.03; Andrea Perera This article was provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update.
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