The number of people infected with HIV/AIDS in Wyoming has stabilized, but if the number is to decrease, more action needs to be taken, said an HIV case manager at Laramie Reproductive Health.
Runners and walkers gathered on Saturday to support the fight against AIDS in Wyoming. Laramie Reproductive Health helped to put on the 2nd Annual WyoAIDS Walk and 5k Run. After the walk, free AIDS testing was offered at the non-profit’s facility on 21st Street.
Molly Adami, HIV case manager and organizer of the event, said the walk was a call to action to decrease the number of AIDS cases in the state.
Support has been diminishing for the fight against HIV and AIDS, said Adami. She said she thinks people are not supporting as much as in the past because the problem is now stabilized. If people want HIV/AIDS to go away, they need to take action until the problem is eradicated.
There are more than 230 people infected with HIV in Wyoming, Adami said, and 20 new cases arise each year.
“Funds go to help anyone in Wyoming with HIV,” said Adami. The funds can be used in variety of ways, Adami said, including helping to fix cars for HIV patients so they can get to the doctor.
“Testing is the new prevention,” said Adami. She said of the new infections in the state, those who already have HIV cause half.
The rapid HIV testing following the race was free to anyone. Adami said anyone between the ages of 13 and 63 should be tested at least once in their lifetime; anyone at high risk should be tested more often.
Julie Newlin, a graduate student studying Public Administration, ran in the 5k in support of eliminating HIV. She works for the Wyoming Department of Health in close conjunction with helping prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
Newlin said those with pre-existing sexually transmitted infections are more likely to contract HIV and AIDS.
In her work with the Wyoming Department of Health, Newlin said she has been a part of efforts to raise awareness and increase access to materials to protect those at risk from STIs. Condom dispensers have been installed in various locations in Laramie, including bars and restaurants.
“We offer a free voucher for testing through knowyo.org,” said Newlin. She added that with a voucher, 15 to 25-year-olds could get tested for a number of STIs for free.
