According to state statistics, over 1,300 Atlantic County residents are currently living with AIDS. Yet many people do not fully understand the effects and extent of this disease. Learn more about AIDS/HIV by reading the following information compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Know the Facts about AIDS/HIV
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is caused by infection with a virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast feeding. Infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that it has difficulty fighting off certain infections. The immune system of a person with AIDS is weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.

Treatment Options
Today there are medical treatments that can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system. There are other treatments that can prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS. As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventative care.

AIDS/HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Screenings
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health offers free, confidential screenings for AIDS/HIV. Counseling and treatment for gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia is also available at no cost. No appointment is necessary. The clinic is scheduled every Monday, except holidays, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 201 Shore Road (Stillwater Building) in Northfield. For more information call 645-5933.

Learn More
For more information on AIDS/HIV, contact the expert nurses in our Community Health/Clinical Services Unit (609-645-5933) or visit the resource pages listed below:

AIDS CCOMMUNITY CARE ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM (ACCAP) - Eligible individuals diagnosed with AIDS may receive Medicaid covered services including private duty nursing services in the community rather than in a nursing home. Call 1-888-426-9243

HIV and AIDS: Are You At Risk? A great resource on basic AIDS/HIV information from the Centers for Disease Control. Information is also available in Spanish. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/brochure/atrisk.htm

Living with HIV/AIDS - An informational booklet from the CDC, also available in Spanish http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/brochure/livingwithhiv.htm.

National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS – This hotline operates toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Hotline offers anonymous, confidential HIV/AIDS information from trained specialists. TTY service is available for the deaf (1-800-243-7889). The Spanish service (1-800-344-7432) offers STD information in addition to information about HIV/AIDS. For more information, follow this link http://www.ashastd.org/nah.

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services – AIDS Statistics by County http://www.state.nj.us/health/aids/repa/aidsdata.shtml.

New Jersey Division of AIDS Prevention and Control – http://www.state.nj.us/health/aids/aidsprv.htm

South Jersey AIDS Alliance – Provides advocacy, education, prevention services, support groups, case management, outreach, food bank, pharmaceutical assistance and a resource center. http://www.southjerseyaidsalliance.org/offices.shtml

Information compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.