SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Officials with the San Antonio AIDS Foundation say they're seeing an increase in positive cases because they've had more people coming in to get tested in the last six months.
Gabriel Medina, testing and outreach program manager for the foundation, says the positive result represents a first step towards getting the help one needs to live a healthy life.
"We want to find those living with HIV in order to treat, lead to care," he said. "That way we can also decrease that stigma of it all."
Medina says they're seeing a 57% increase this year in people coming in to get tested.
"We're doing about 400 to 450 per month. That's equaling to about 5,000 tests a year," said Medina.
Tests can also be done to detect chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea.
"We're seeing an influx in those who are testing positive for STIs, so with that we're offering the treatment for the STIs even if they're not needed for HIV treatment," said Medina.
Medina reports more women in particular are coming in to get tested and finding they're positive for HIV.
He adds you can get your results in an instant.
"That insta-test is basically through a finger poke," he said. "We'll take your blood, take a small pipet of it, and you'll get your test within about 60 seconds. Same thing goes with our syphilis test."
Results for chlamydia and gonorrhea can come within a week.
The foundation says its work, outreach and education can help others who are HIV-positive and help stop the spread.
For anyone needing help, the foundation's doors at 818 East Grayson are open for testing Monday through Saturday, no appointment needed.
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