Let AIDS Make You See Red

Actor Charlie Sheen just announced he’s HIV Positive, but his lifestyle is a far cry from the Southern charm we know and love in Charleston, right?

Think again. Lowcountry AIDS is going to be releasing its latest AIDS stats about the area on World AIDS Day (December 1) but here’s a sneak preview: the Holy City has some Unholy stats. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says we’re Number 13 in new HIV infections among all metropolitan areas in the country. And Lowcountry AIDS’ more recent data says, we’ve increased the number of those testing positive for HIV.

Want to get involved?

The first thing you should do is get tested. That one careless hookup can be all it takes. Lowcountry AIDS Services is partnering with Walgreens to provide free testing on December 1 at the North Charleston Walgreens on Remount Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Charleston Area World AIDS Day committee is hosting a vigil at 6:30 p.m. December 1 at the Unitarian Church, 4 Archdale Street.
 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Charleston/North Charleston metropolitan area ranks 31st among all U.S. metropolitan areas for the highest rate of new HIV infections in 2013 (HIV Surveillance Report). This year Lowcountry AIDS Services is reporting a higher number of those testing positive for HIV.

If all this discouraging AIDS news has you seeing red, good! On December 1, post a photo or selfie of yourself wearing red and use the hashtag #SeeingRED and tag Lowcountry AIDS Services on Facebook or Twitter/Instagram @LowcountryAIDS.