Ministry of Health celebrates World AIDS Day with community

JACKSON, Tenn. – A local health service invites the community to celebrate World AIDS Day together.

The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is holding a ceremony on December 1 to recognize those who have died of AIDS.

The department said the ceremony – which is set for 2 p.m. at their location at 804 North Parkway – also aims to better educate the public about the virus.

“Our goal is to prevent the spread of the disease and to educate people who might need more information on how to protect themselves against HIV infection,” said Laura Booker, RN, clinical manager STDs / HIV.

The health department says the CDC reports that about 1.1 million Americans were HIV positive by the end of 2019. The CDC says that of these, 87% knew they had HIV.

Health officials say knowledge can help prevent the spread of HIV, a virus that, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS.

“It’s important to get tested and know your status,” said Janice Brown, disease intervention specialist. “Knowing your status gives you the power to protect yourself and your partner. “

The department says you can help prevent HIV by practicing abstinence, never sharing needles, and using condoms correctly.

You can get tested by making an appointment with the health service. You can call (731) 423-3020 to set it up.

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