As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1st, the Nassau County Department of Health offers residents a new, fast and easy approach to HIV testing.

For anyone who wishes to learn their HIV status immediately, the Health Department offers an innovative, free, 20-minute Ora-Quick HIV test. As always, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing are completely confidential.

Long Island has the highest number of AIDS cases in suburban areas in the United States. Nassau County alone has a cumulative total of 3,414 AIDS cases since 1985 (through December, 2001.)

The CDC has estimated that up to 1/3 of those individuals infected with HIV do not know their status, which prevents them from getting early care and treatment.

Although there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, the earlier the diagnoses, the greater the chances are for a better quality of life.

HIV is increasingly becoming a woman's disease. Heterosexual contact is the greatest risk for women, followed by injection drug use. Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by HIV infection.

For more information about the new Ora-Quick testing, contact the Nassau County Department of Health weekdays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at (516) 571-2019.