(Santa Ana) - The availability of free anonymous and confidential HIV testing through the Orange County Health Care Agency is the prime focus for this year's observance of World AIDS Day on December First.

It is estimated that one in three people who are HIV positive do not know they are infected with the virus. In Orange County alone, that would mean more than 1,200 people who do not know they are HIV positive. "We want to make sure that people know the Health Care Agency offers anonymous and confidential HIV testing in Orange County and that counseling is provided as part of this free service," said Raul Ramirez, Program Supervisor for HIV testing.

The Orange County Health Care Agency provides HIV testing at three convenient locations. They are:

• 1725 W. 17^th Street, Santa Ana
  Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., open Tuesday until 5:30 p.m.
  (714) 834-8787
• Ponderosa Community Center, 2100 S. Haster, Anaheim
  Wednesday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
  (714) 750-2826
• 27512 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano
  Thursday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
  (949) 248-2216

Nationally, an estimated 850,000 adults and children are living with HIV/AIDS, with 40,000 new HIV cases reported in 1999. Early identification of the HIV virus can reduce or eliminate the transmission of the virus to others and allow timely management of the illness to begin. Counseling services provide assistance in making needed lifestyle changes and help link those with HIV to essential community services.

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