Macomb, IL – Health care professionals estimate more than 800,000 people in the United States are living with HIV/AIDS. Another figure is even more alarming: up to one-third of those people do not know they are infected. However, there are ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the disease. In Illinois, the Public Health Department's "Wellness on Wheels" van offers free AIDS testing. The vehicle has made stops in a number of cities and was recently at WIU for a day. Public Health Department Director Eric Whitaker also visited Western that day to speak to students about HIV prevention and testing. Dr. Whitaker says in addition to college students, the agency is targeting African-Americans. He says HIV is the number one health crisis among African-American youth. News Director Rich Egger spoke with Whitaker and the workers who did the testing in the van. You can listen to his feature by clicking on the audio button above.
Fighting the Spread of HIV/AIDS
