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AIDS and HIV are not the immediate death sentences they once were. But of course, that’s no excuse for us to stay lax on practicing safe sex and being support for loved ones, co-workers and anyone in our circles that are living with the disease. Since 1988, World AIDS Day (created by World Health Organization Public Information officers James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter in 1987) has been a national day of recognizing the impact of the virus. December 1 is a day for you to show support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died. A lot of people show their support and solidarity by wearing a red ribbon and getting tested.

WorldAidsDay.org reports “an estimated 34 million people [globally] who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.”

Do you know your status? Here are three area clinics offering testing:

1. Baltimore City Health Department

1515 W North Ave

Baltimore, MD 21217

United States

410-396-0185

2. Baltimore County Department of Health

Woodlawn Health Center

1811 Woodlawn Dr

Baltimore, MD 21207

United States

410-887-1332

3. Park West Health System

4120 Patterson Ave

Baltimore, MD 21215

United States

410-542-7800

Click here for more or visit OraQuick.com for a take-home test you can perform in the comfort of your own home.

Facts via AIDS.gov:

  • More than 1.2 million people in the US are living with HIV, and 1 in 8 of them don’t know it.
  • Gay and bisexual men, particularly young African American gay and bisexual men, are most affected.
  • Using condoms consistently and correctly, reducing your number of sexual partners and getting tested/treated for other STDs can lower your risk of getting HIV.

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Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day: Here’s What You Need To Know  was originally published on 92q.com