HEALTH Predicts 15 More HIV Cases Diagnosed in RI in 2014 than 2013
GoLocalProv Health Team
HEALTH Predicts 15 More HIV Cases Diagnosed in RI in 2014 than 2013
In observance of World AIDS Day (December 1), the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) encourages all Rhode Islanders ages 13-64 to learn their status and get tested for HIV.
HEALTH estimates that in Rhode Island, 400 people do not know they have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and predicts that there will be 15 more newly diagnosed HIV cases in the state this year than last.
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"It is a cause for concern that the number of newly-diagnosed HIV cases in Rhode Island for 2014 is projected to be at least 15 cases more than in 2013,” said Director of Health Michael Fine, MD. “Getting tested to know your status protects you and those closest to you. All teens and adults should speak with their doctor about getting tested for HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases during their regular check-ups. People who have multiple sexual partners should be tested regularly, perhaps as often as monthly."
Rhode Islanders who do not have a primary care doctor, who lack insurance, or who are concerned about out-of-pocket costs for testing can take advantage of free or low-cost HIV testing offered through HEALTH's year-round partnerships with AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Island, and MAP Behavioral Health Services. These community-based agencies also offer testing for Hepatitis C
Visit HEALTH’s site for HIV and STD testing locations in RI. For more information, go to JustGetTestedRI.com
New England's Healthiest States 2013
6. Rhode Island
Overall Rank: 19
Outcomes Rank: 30
Determinants Rank: 13
Diabetes Rank: 26
Smoking Rank: 14
Obesity Rank: 13
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. High immunization coverage among adolescents
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians
Challenges:
1.High rate of drug deaths
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in heath status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/RI
5. Maine
Overall Rank: 16
Outcomes Rank: 25
Determinants Rank: 12
Diabetes Rank: 23
Smoking Rank: 29
Obesity Rank: 28
Strengths:
1. Low violent crime rate
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Low prevalence of low birthweight
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High rate of cancer deaths
3. Limited availability of dentists
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME
4. Connecticut
Overall Rank: 7
Outcomes Rank: 15
Determinants Rank: 4
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 4
Obesity Rank: 12
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of smoking
2. Low incidence of infectious diseases
3. High immunization coverage among children & adolescents
Challenges:
1. Moderate prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low high school graduation rate
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/CT
3. New Hampshire
Overall Rank: 5
Outcomes Rank: 7
Determinants Rank: 5
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 11
Obesity Rank: 22
Strengths:
1. Low percentage of children in poverty
2. High immunization coverage among children
3. Low infant mortality rate
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High incidence of pertussis infections
3. Low per capita public health funding
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/NH
2. Massachusetts
Overall Rank: 4
Outcomes Rank: 14
Determinants Rank: 3
Diabetes Rank: 10
Smoking Rank: 7
Obesity Rank: 2
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians & dentists
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/MA
1. Vermont
Overall Rank: 2
Outcomes Rank: 12
Determinants Rank: 1
Diabetes Rank: 4
Smoking Rank: 9
Obesity Rank: 5
Strengths:
1. High rate of high school graduation
2. Low violent crime rate
3. Low percentage of uninsured population
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low immunization coverage among children
3. High incidence of pertussis infections
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/VT
