A total of 70 people were tested at St. Maarten AIDS Foundation community outreach day held in Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Centre in St. Peters on Saturday. Learning their HIV status were 39 were men and 31 women.
The foundation is committed to facilitating community testing days where residents can access free rapid and confidential HIV test.
“We are happy with the turnout at the testing day. We commend everyone who took the time to get to know their status. Our volunteers also deserve thanks for their dedicated efforts,” said Rajesh Chintaman of AIDS Foundation.
Outside of community outreach days, HIV tests is available at the AIDS Foundation Secretariat in the Sun Building across from Tropicana Casino in Cole Bay. The foundation is the only entity offering HIV/STI prevention education outreach and care/treatment support for persons living with HIV/AIDS on the Dutch side of the island.
The foundation acquires the bulk of its funding from community and corporate donations for its testing and awareness activities. A major donation generator is the annual Stronger Together/Red Ribbon fundraising campaign carried out in collaboration with Scotiabank.
To make a donation, e-mail info@sxmaidsfoundation.org or make a direct deposit at Scotiabank account numbers 7223 (US dollars) and 7221 (guilders) in the name of “Stronger Together HIV/AIDS Campaign.”
For HIV counselling and tests, visit the secretariat or call 588-4636 or 553-2626. Also visit the foundation’s website: www.sxmaidsfoundation.org for more information about services.
