June 27, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---"The problem is we don't talk about it," said Ann Marie Bell.

Ann Marie Bell has been living the past eleven years with HIV. Her goal in life is to keep living to spread the message of why everyone should get tested.

"It's very important to get tested if you're sexually active. If you're not going to wear something to protect yourself, you should get tested," said Ann Marie.

Friday the Richmond County Health Department took part in the National HIV Testing Day. It allowed anyone could get tested-- for free.

"We're third outside of metropolitan atlanta so there's a message. Know your status and get tested," said Sandra Wimberly of the East Central Health District.

"We have to continue at the grassroots level. We need to get out there and communicate and educate people--that's about the best thing you can do," said Mayor Deke Copenhaver.

But the Richmond County Health Department is taking the proper steps for those who don't want to get tested on the national event.

With more than 2400 cases reported in Augusta's Richmond County, the health department is offering free coupons that can be used until July 27th to make it easier for you to get tested at a time more convenient for you.

But of those tested--the alarming growth in reported HIV cases may not be who you expect.

"We're seeing an increase in our young folks, our teenagers, that are becoming infected because they are putting themselves at risk," said Sandra Wimberly.

A risk Ann Marie knows firsthand will affect them for the rest of their lives.