FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Erin Deppé, PPAC Communications, 916.446.5247

Planned Parenthood Encourages Everyone to Get Tested on World AIDS Day

As the global community marks World AIDS Day today, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California encourages all women, men and teens to take care of their reproductive health by getting tested.

Worldwide, more than 38 million people are living with HIV or AIDS. Planned Parenthood works internationally to provide comprehensive reproductive health services including HIV prevention across many countries including the United States, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

In California, there were more than 36,000 cases of HIV/AIDS as of April 2009, according to the California Office of AIDS. Due to the budget crisis in this state, approximately half of the Office of AIDS budget was slashed in fiscal year 2009-10 and state funds earmarked for AIDS prevention was cut by about 80%. Unfortunately, this means the state cannot afford to provide as much educational material and condoms as it has in past years, both important tools to prevent the spread AIDS.

Even during tough economic times Californians can turn to Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood health centers across the state continue to provide education and prevention services for low or no cost to our patients.

In observance of World AIDS Day, take the first step to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and get tested.

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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California's nine separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of reproductive health care, family planning and comprehensive sex education.