Recently it was discovered that the mobile HIV/AIDS
testing Unit could not be repaired and returned to duty
but must be replaced. This adds challenges to an already
difficult conversation. If the staff can’t meet people
where they are, they must find new ways to bring people
into the clinics for testing and prevention services such
as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). This is important
because 1 in 10 people infected with HIV in the county
are not aware, according to officials, which means
they could infect others and not seek treatment to stay
healthy. Early detection and treatment saves lives, and
the San Ysidro Health Mobile Testing Unit assures access
to testing, referrals for treatment and prevention. In other
words, the Unit helps save lives. This community-based
testing program has ensured thousands of people at risk,
The SYH Team at
AIDS Walk & Run
who might not have access to a doctor or clinic, get the
information they need to make informed decisions.
Recently, San Ysidro Health had a patient that was
healthy and active and didn’t think of himself as someone
at risk to contract HIV. That all changed when his friends
encouraged him to step into the Unit for a very simple
mouth swab test. His life changed. He found out he
tested positive - he was immediately referred to our
HIV staff for services, medication, case management,
counseling, support groups such as art and nutrition and
follow up treatment plans. Today he has no measurable
HIV viral load and is living a happy and healthy life.
You can make a difference by supporting San Ysidro
Health and their goal of funding a new Mobile Testing Unit
by making a gift today at www.syhealth.org/donate or
call Candy Cuevas for more information at
(619) 205-6326.
NOVEMBER 2018 | GBSAN.COM 43