by Deborah L. Perry

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the FDA Office of Women's Health; and the Office of Minority Health, Rhode Island Department of Health:

• Most women (72% in 2005) get HIV from having sex with men and not using a condom.
• 80% of Asian/Pacific Island women in the U.S. living with HIV/AIDS in 2005 were infected through heterosexual contact.
• American Indians and Alaska Natives in the U.S. have the shortest time between AIDS diagnosis and death.
• The rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS in RI are higher in African-Americans and Hispanic/ Latinos than other minority groups and the overall state population.
• An HIV test is the only way to know for sure if you or someone else has HIV. The three main test types for HIV are: blood, oral/mouth, and a small cup of urine is tested.
• Free/confidential/anonymous HIV tests are available. To find a HIV testing site, visit www.hivtest.org or call in English (o en Español) 1-800CDC-INFO (TTY: 1-888-232-6348), open 24 hours a day.