Free HIV tests and counseling, along with other health screenings, will be offered Saturday at the third annual Winter Health & Sports Fair in Palmetto. "The take-home message is partnership," said Dr. Gladys Branic, director of the Manatee County Health Department, which is presenting the event. "The collective effort of each of us is needed to win the war on this debilitating disease."

While new HIV infections in the county rose by 29 percent from 2006 to 2007, health department figures show the number of AIDS cases was down by 39 percent.

"HIV is a county problem, a state problem, a national problem, and a global problem," said AIDS activist Wendell Martin of Bradenton. "And all of us have a moral duty to care about our brothers and sisters, no matter what their gender, race or sexual preference."

Martin called on county leaders to be more visible in the fight against the virus. "People who supervise our county, our school board, need to show leadership if we are going to change Manatee County," he said.

Coming just after Thursday's National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the event targets African Americans in particular. Health department statistics show an estimated one in 62 black residents of Manatee County has HIV.

The fair takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmetto Boys and Girls Club, 1600 10th St. W., Palmetto. Telephone 941-748-0747 ext. 1432.

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