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County proclaims World AIDS Day; public‑health staff and community partners report expanded testing and outreach
Summary
Washington County proclaimed Dec. 1, 2024 as World AIDS Day and heard a Health & Human Services presentation on expanded HIV testing and community outreach in partnership with Centro Cultural; the proclamation passed 5–0.
Washington County commissioners on Dec. 3 adopted a proclamation designating Dec. 1, 2024 as World AIDS Day in the county and received a briefing from Health and Human Services and community partners on efforts to expand HIV testing and outreach.
Mira Samantha, director of Health and Human Services, introduced a panel including public health nursing staff and representatives from Centro Cultural. Chris Keating, public health nursing supervisor, described partnerships that increased HIV testing and linkage to care and credited community partners for reaching populations less likely to access county services.
Centro Cultural representatives explained culturally specific outreach strategies, Spanish‑language materials and expanded hours to increase testing access. Speakers said outreach included events such as a county pride parade table where more than 50 HIV home test kits were distributed, and staff reported hundreds of tests conducted through collaborative efforts.
The board moved to adopt the World AIDS Day proclamation as read; the motion carried unanimously, 5–0. Commissioners thanked staff and community partners and invited the panel to join a photo to commemorate the proclamation.
Why it matters County staff framed the proclamation as recognition of ongoing public‑health work to reduce stigma, increase testing and link people living with HIV to treatment. Staff noted the Latino community is disproportionately affected and highlighted targeted outreach and culturally competent services as priorities.
