Washington County has officially proclaimed December 1, 2024, as World AIDS Day, emphasizing the importance of HIV awareness and testing in the community. The announcement was made during a public meeting on December 3, where health officials highlighted ongoing efforts to combat HIV and support affected individuals.

Mira Samantha, Director of Health and Human Services, introduced a panel of public health experts who shared significant progress made in HIV prevention and care. This year, Washington County has strengthened its collaboration with the Washington County Jail to ensure that HIV-positive individuals receive necessary services upon release. Additionally, the county has expanded HIV testing through mobile services, reaching more at-risk populations.

The partnership with Centro Cultural has been pivotal in increasing access to HIV home testing and education, particularly within the Latino community, which is disproportionately affected by HIV. The panel emphasized the need for culturally specific outreach and resources, which have been developed based on community feedback.

Key recommendations from the meeting included securing additional funding for consistent outreach, improving access to bilingual staff, and enhancing the availability of reproductive health services. These initiatives aim to foster trust within the community and encourage more individuals to get tested.

The proclamation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing HIV, with approximately 1.2 million people living with the virus in the U.S. and a significant number of Oregonians unaware of their status. The Board of Commissioners urged residents to take proactive steps in knowing their HIV status and supporting others in doing the same.

As Washington County continues its efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to care, the community is encouraged to engage in open dialogues about HIV and participate in testing initiatives. The meeting concluded with a call to action for all residents to prioritize their health and well-being.