Demetre Daskalakis is the Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of HIV Prevention and Control of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. He received his medical education from NYU School of Medicine and completed his residency training in 2003 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Ambrose Delpino is a 12-year Walgreens veteran who graduated from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Shortly upon graduating pharmacy school, Dr. Delpino uncovered a passion for supporting patients living with HIV and has since focused his career on making a difference for those impacted by or at risk for HIV and Hepatitis C. More than 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV.
But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in seven do not know they are infected with the disease and only three in 10 are controlling their virus with treatment.
In America alone, 21 percent of HIV infections among African Americans are undiagnosed. The rate of new HIV infection in African Americans is eight times that of Caucasians based on population size.
Testing, at least once, is recommended for all Americans aged 13-64. Treatment options following early detection of HIV can help prevent the virus from progressing to an AIDS diagnosis.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Ambrose Delpino, PharmD, discuss HIV and the importance of getting tested if you feel at risk.
Health Topics A-Z
The Importance of HIV Testing
From the Show: Health Radio
Summary: One in seven Americans are HIV positive but don't know it.
Air Date: 7/13/15
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
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