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Problem Gambling Awareness Month (March, 2024)

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (March, 2024)

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (March 2024)

Key Facts

  • According to the American Gaming Association, Michigan generated $1.92 billion in online gambling in 2023, and is ranked #1 in the nation.
  • It is estimated that approximately 85% of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lives, with 60% having gambled within the past year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and we at District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) want to shed light on this “silent addiction” and connect the community to treatment and recovery resources.

Problem gambling, also called “gambling disorder” or “gambling addiction” occurs when people can’t control their gambling. While casual gamblers can set a limit to the amount of money they gamble with, problem gamblers cannot stop, even when they can’t afford to continue. Some may resort to selling their possessions or stealing from others to pay their debts. They may lie about their gambling, gamble more when they are stressed, become restless if they try to quit, and/or become unable to stop thinking about gambling. The bottom line: Problem gambling can cause bankruptcy and legal issues, and destroys relationships and lives.

Problem gambling is categorized as a behavioral addiction. Gambling stimulates the reward system in the brain and can, like other addictions, eventually alter brain chemistry. It is not casinos or other places where gambling occurs that directly cause a gambling disorder; these locations only provide the opportunity for problem gambling to begin.

While anyone can have a gambling disorder, risk factors include:

  • A genetic predisposition
  • Personality traits: Being competitive, impulsive, or restless
  • Sex: Men have higher rates of problem gambling than women
  • Age: Teens and young people between the ages of 25 to 34 years old have higher rates of problem gambling than other ages
  • Exposure: Being exposed to gambling at a young age, and having family or friends that gamble
  • Mental health issues: People who problem gamble may also have a substance use disorder, a personality disorder, anxiety, or depression
  • Certain medications: Dopamine agonists can increase compulsive behaviors, such as problem gambling, although this is rare

It is recommended that individuals who have any one of these risk factors avoid gambling. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation and exercise, is also helpful. Problem gamblers often experience higher rates of depression and increased rates of suicidal behavior.  Getting treatment as soon as possible is the best way to keep an existing gambling problem from getting worse. Problem gambling is diagnosed by a mental health professional, and treatment involves different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Additionally, there are groups like Gamblers Anonymous that can offer support during recovery.

If someone you know is experiencing a gambling disorder, act sooner rather than later. Tell them your concerns and help them get connected to resources. Express empathy, be patient, and listen to them without judgement.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-270-7117 or the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-470 for confidential help. Both Hotlines are available 24/7, at no cost.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7 at no cost.

For more information and resources on problem gambling, please visit https://www.dhd10.org/men-women/problem-gambling/

Quick Links:

American Gaming Association: Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker

Mayo Clinic: Compulsive Gambling

Cleveland Clinic: Gambling Disorder

The National Council on Problem Gambling: FAQs: What is Problem Gambling?

National Nutrition Month (March, 2024)

Key Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • People who often drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems, such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and gout, a type of arthritis. You can be a role model for your friends and family by choosing water and other healthy, low-calorie beverages.
  • People who have overweight or obesity, compared to those with healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions. A balanced nutrition is key.
  • Eating too much sodium can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. More than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged and prepared foods. While sodium has many forms, 90% of the sodium we consume is from salt.

March is National Nutrition Month and District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) wants you to thrive on the power of food and nutrition.

Join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Table,” which addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, from food production and distribution to navigating grocery stores and farmers markets — and even home food safety and storage practices. It also describes the various ways we eat — not only around a dinner table, but also on the go, in schools and restaurants, at games and events. This theme also includes sustainability, for instance, decreasing food waste from school and work to home and beyond.

Health Tips:

  1. Eat Breakfast. Start your day with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
  2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables. Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to your plate.
  3. Watch Portion Sizes. Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean protein foods. Complete the meal with a serving of fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt. Counting calories all the time is not necessary, but it may help to see how many calories you need. MyPlate Plan calculates the number of calories needed per day to maintain your current weight based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level.
  4. Be Active. Regular physical activity has many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise you can. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults at least two hours and 30 minutes per week.
  5. Get to Know Food Labels. Reading the Nutrition Facts panel can help you choose foods and drinks to meet your nutrient needs.
  6. Fix Healthy Snacks. Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when they include a combination of foods.
  7. Consult an RDN. Whether you want to lose weight, lower your health-risks or manage a chronic disease, consult the experts! Registered dietitian nutritionists can help you by providing sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice.
  8. Follow Food Safety Guidelines. Reduce your chances of getting sick with proper food safety. This includes: regular hand washing, separating raw foods from ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to the appropriate internal temperature, and refrigerating food promptly. Learn more about home food safety at eatright.org.
  9. Drink More Water. Quench your thirst with water instead of drinks with added sugars.
  10. Make an Effort to Reduce Food Waste. Check out what foods you have on hand before stocking up at the grocery store. Plan meals based on leftovers and only buy perishable foods you will use or freeze within a couple of days.

How can DHD#10 help you and your family?

WIC is a nutritional food program that helps participants eat well and stay healthy.  While it is named for women, infants, and children, others such as adoptive parents, fathers, grandparents, other family members, foster parents and some non-traditional custodial situations may also be eligible to receive WIC benefits for infants in their care.

Those who qualify receive a WIC Bridge Card used for purchasing healthy foods such as milk, 100% juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, peanut butter, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads or tortillas, dry or canned beans or peas, baby foods, infant formulas, and soy milk.  breastfeeding moms can also purchase canned tuna or salmon.  In addition to providing food, WIC offers tips and advice to help feed your family in a healthy way.

Find out if you are eligible for WIC here. Already a WIC client? Click here.

Quick Links
Eatright.org | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

CDC | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week | March 18 – 24, 2024

Key Facts

According to the CDC:

  • Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the U.S.
  • Underage drinking is a significant public health problem in the U.S. Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,900 deaths and 225,000 years of potential life lost among people under age 21 each year.
  • About 1 in 5 emergency department visits associated with the misuse of prescription medicines also involved alcohol in 2016.2
  • One in 7 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder.

Participate in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) this March 18th – March 24th and help share facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction in your community. NDAFW is an annual, week-long health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. NDAFW provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide. The misuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans.

Alcohol

Excessive drinking both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems, including

  • Chronic diseases such as High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
  • Unintentional injuries, such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns, and firearm injuries.
  • Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
  • Violence, such as child maltreatment, homicide, sexual assault and suicide.
  • Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women
  • Alcohol use disorders.

Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws specify the legal age when an individual can purchase alcoholic beverages. The MLDA in the United States is 21 years.

Drugs

Different types of drugs can affect your body in different ways, and the effects associated with drugs can vary from person to person. As illegal drugs are not controlled substances the quality and strength may differ from one batch to another.

How a drug affects an individual is dependent on:

  • body size
  • general health
  • the amount and strength of the drug
  • whether any other drugs have been taken around the same time.
  • a person’s mood or the environment they are in.

Drugs have short-term and long-term effects. These effects can be physical and psychological. Drugs can impact the way you think, feel and act. Making sure you know the risks can help reduce the potential harms you experience.

Alcohol and Other Substance Use

According to the CDC, Polysubstance use is when two or more substances are used together or within a short time period, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Polysubstance use involving alcohol includes drinking and using other substances such as marijuana, opioids, heroin or other illicit drugs, or medications not as prescribed. Whether intentional or not, using alcohol and other substances is unsafe because the effects may be stronger and more unpredictable than one drug alone, and even deadly.

Addiction

Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. People suffering from substance use disorders have trouble controlling their drug use even though they know drugs are harmful.

Overcoming a substance use disorder is not as simple as resisting the temptation to take drugs through willpower alone. Recovery may involve medication to help with cravings and withdrawal as well as different forms of therapy. It may even require checking into a rehabilitation facility. Recovery can be challenging, but it is possible.

Quick Links

CDC | Alcohol and Public Health

Better Health | How Drugs Affect Your Body

CDC | Understanding Addiction

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – March, 2024

Key Facts

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance:

  • Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent or detect this disease early, when it’s most treatable. With early detection, CRC has a 90% survival rate.
  • Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Yet it’s one of the few cancers that’s preventable.
  • The American Cancer Society estimates 152,810 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2024.

This month join District Health Department #10 bring awareness to Colorectal Cancer by wearing blue Friday, March 1. Dress in Blue Day lets allies everywhere join our mission to end colorectal cancer. All of March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening and highly treatable when detected early. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people.

Risk Factors

While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, a few conditions can increase risk.

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
  • A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
  • Black/African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews are at higher risk.

Common Symptoms

Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms. When they occur, symptoms may include:

  • Blood in or on stool
  • Persistent unusual bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea
  • Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
  • Weakness and/or fatigue
  • Losing weight for no reason

When Should I see a doctor?

Earlier is better! Symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer can be associated with many other health conditions. Only a medical professional can determine the cause of your symptoms.

The early signs of cancer often do not include pain. A medical provider should be consulted when any symptom develops. Early detection can save your life.

Quick Links

Colorectal Cancer Alliance

CDC | Colorectal Cancer

National Condom Week (02/14-02/21)

Key Facts

According to Planned Parenthood:

  • If you use condoms perfectly every single time you have sex, they’re 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. But people aren’t perfect, so in real life condoms are about 87% effective — that means about 13 out of 100 people who use condoms as their only birth control method will get pregnant each year.
  • Condoms and internal condoms are the only methods of birth control that also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

In an effort to encourage individuals to make informed choices about their sexual health, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is recognizing the entire month of February as National Condom Month, and February 14-21 is National Condom Week.

Consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. However, condom use cannot provide absolute protection against any STI. The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of STIs are to abstain from sexual activity, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infection because STIs often are asymptomatic and unrecognized.

Planned Parenthood reminds us that “using condoms is a form of self-care, community-care, and a way to contribute to public health. Everyone has the right to make important decisions about their own sexual health and when we have open and honest conversations about our needs, we can make sure we have healthy and enjoyable experiences.”

DHD#10 offers free condoms to anyone wanting them. There are two ways to access them from any of our 10 office locations.

  1. By visiting our office and grabbing an unmarked envelope from the condom bucket in our waiting room (or by asking a staff member).
  2. By visiting https://www.dhd10.org/mail-order-condoms/ to order them online and have them mailed to your door.

To participate in our mail order condom program, complete the confidential order form and we will mail a free package of 10 condoms, lubricant, and sexual health and STI testing information in an unmarked envelope. There is no limit on requesting additional packages. If you have questions or to request the form electronically, please contact condoms@dhd10.org.

DHD#10 strives to empower people of all ages and genders to take control of their sexual health. Education services, birth control methods, counseling on fertility awareness, referrals for sterilization, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and physical exams, including Pap Smears are available. DHD#10 services are confidential, LGBTQ friendly, and available on a sliding fee scale basis; no one will ever be denied service due to inability to pay. Now you can order a free HIV Self-Test Kit online at www.dhd10.org/hivtest and it will be mailed to your door. It is convenient, safe, and a secure way to know your HIV status.

To learn more about DHD#10’s sexual health services or to schedule an appointment, call 888-217-3904, option #2; late clinic appointments are available.

Quick Links

Planned Parenthood | Condom

CDC | Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

CDC | Sexual Health

CDC | Prevention, Condoms

DHD10 | Mail Order Condoms

Children’s Dental Month – (February, 2024)

Key Facts

According to the CDC:

  • Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew.
  • Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated. Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.
  • Cavities are preventable. Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth. Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth prevents 80% of cavities.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, yet cavities are preventable. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

Your child’s diet is very important for developing and maintaining strong and healthy teeth. It is helpful to include good sources of calcium (yogurt, broccoli, and milk) to your child’s diet to help build strong teeth. Teaching your child about healthy eating habits is one of the best practices for a lifetime of good health. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks rather than candies and cookies.
  • Brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
  • Serve water rather than juice or soda.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

For Babies

  • Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.
  • When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush and plain water.
  • Visit the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts but no later than your baby’s first birthday, to spot signs of problems early.
  • Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

Children younger than 2, should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily.

For Children

  • Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Help your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills.
    If your child is younger than 6, watch them brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow.
  • Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when permanent molars have erupted.
  • Drink tap water that contains fluoride.
  • Children are now required to have an oral health assessment or dental exam prior to enrolling in Kindergarten.

Affordable dental care is available right here in your community.  If you have questions or need assistance in locating a dental provider, contact Elizabeth Johnson, DHD #10 Oral Health Coordinator at (231) 674-5218

You can also check out, visit https://whereforcare.info/#findaprovider to locate a dental provider near you.

Quick Links

CDC | Basic Oral Health

American Dental Association

ADHA | Children’s Dental Health Month

American Heart Month (February, 2024)

Key Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) :

  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing one in four deaths each year.
  • Several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease.
  • About half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
  • Obesity can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes as well as heart disease.

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. Taking time to care for your heart can be challenging as you go about daily life. But it’s easier than you think to show your heart the love it deserves each day. Small acts of self-care, like taking walks, getting quality sleep, and cooking healthy meals, help your heart.

Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making healthy choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, including coronary heart disease, the most common type. By taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease that could lead to a heart attack. You can also improve your overall health and well-being.

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is urging people that now is the time to act. Consider making one, or several, of the below lifestyle changes. Here’s how to start:

  • Move more
    • Get at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week—that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
    • Can’t carve out a lot of time in your day? Don’t chuck your goal, chunk it! Try 5, 10, or 15 minutes a few times a day. Some physical activity is better than none.
  • Eat healthy foods
    • A healthy diet that is low in sodium and saturated fat is key to heart disease prevention.
    • Such as eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains (high in fiber), vegetable oils, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
    • Limiting foods sugar and other sweeteners.
    • Do not drink too much alcohol, which can raise your blood pressure.
  • Aim for a healthy weight
    • Being overweight is hard on your heart. It increases your risk of having heart disease, a stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
    • Choosing heart-healthy foods and getting regular exercise will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Quit smoking
    • The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your heart and blood vessels in many ways.
    • Quitting is hard, but many people have succeeded, and you can too. Ask your family and friends for support in your effort
  • Reduce stress and improve sleep
    • Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart risks.
    • Not getting enough sleep or regularly getting poor quality sleep increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep a night.
  • Know your numbers
    • Meet your heart health goals by keeping track of how much you exercise, your blood pressure, your cholesterol numbers—all of which can impact your heart health—and tell your doctor how you’re doing.

Quick Links:

CDC | Heart Disease

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | American Heart Month

American Heart Association

Radon Awareness Month – Radon Awareness Week (January 23 – 27, 2024)

Key Facts

  • Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
  • The EPA and the Surgeon General’s office estimate radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
  • Testing your home is the only way to know if radon levels are high. You and your family could be at risk for lung cancer from radon.

January is Radon Awareness Month and Radon Awareness Week. The aim of National Radon Action Month is to increase the public’s awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally released in the air from rocks and soil. It can be found in the air outside and can get inside buildings and homes, where it can build up. There is no known safe level of radon. Aiming for the lowest radon level you can achieve in your home will reduce your risk of harmful health effects, including lung cancer.

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, here are five things you can do during National Radon Action Month:

  1. Test your home – EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive.
  2. Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area – Look for radon events in your community.
  3. Spread the word.
  4. Spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging others to learn about radon and test their homes.
  5. Buy or build a radon-resistant home – Read more about radon-resistant new construction, “Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Radon-Resistant Homes” (PDF).

In Michigan, nearly one in four homes is expected to exceed the recommended federal action level and, in some counties, as many as 40-45% of homes could be affected. Because of this, DHD#10 is working to educate the public about the importance of testing their homes and building for radon exposure. Testing should occur in all homes, whether new or old, every two years. The only way to know for sure if a home has a buildup of radon is to test for it.

For more information on radon or radon testing, please visit www.epa.gov/radon. You can also call 888-217-3904 to connect with your local DHD#10 Environmental Health office.

Quick Links:

CDC | Radon
U.S Environmental Protection Agency | National Radon Action Month
MDHHS | Michigan Indoor Radon Program

Key Facts

According to the CDC:

  • You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.
  • The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
  • The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.

In 2020, an estimated 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 342,000 women died from the disease. The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common family of viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact. Vaccines exist that protect against high-risk HPV types, and screening programs can detect signs of disease at an early stage, allowing for effective treatment and management of the condition. This means that cervical cancer should be one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. In many high-income countries, this is the case. High incidence rates and high mortality rates of cervical cancer occur mainly (~90% for both) in low- and middle-income countries.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.

  • HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
  • HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
  • HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine. To schedule, call 888-217-3904.

Quick Links:

CDC | Cervical Cancer Awareness
National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)

World AIDS Day – December 1, 2023

Key Facts

According to the CDC:

  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
  • There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
  • Nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who don’t know they have the virus. For people with undiagnosed HIV, testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and preventing HIV transmission.
  • Routine HIV screening of adults, adolescents, and pregnant women in health care settings is recommended.

This year’s theme for World AIDS Day for December 1, 2023 is “Rock the Ribbon.” The National AIDS Trust is committed to stopping new cases of HIV, securing the rights of people living with HIV, and fighting HIV stigma and discrimination. People living with HIV are at the heart of what we do, and this year’s World AIDS Day campaign is no different. We’re celebrating the diverse group of people who make up this community and celebrating the HIV allies who stand shoulder to shoulder with them and fight for HIV rights.

We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to end the HIV epidemic for good, but we must also continue fighting the stigma still experienced by people living with HIV. Your support can help us realize our vision of a future where HIV is no barrier to health or equality.

Visit DHD#10’s Sexual Health Website for more information: https://www.dhd10.org/sexualhealth/.

District Health Department #10 provides rapid HIV testing and free at-home testing kits. These tests are available year-round. Services are confidential, LGBTQ friendly, and no one will ever be denied service due to inability to pay. Call 888-217-3904, option #2 to make an appointment at your local DHD#10 office. At-home testing kits are available at https://www.dhd10.org/sexualhealth/.

Quick Links

CDC- HIV
World AIDS Day
CDC – Data For Impact – Michigan