Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Rupa Shenoy
ST. PAUL, Minn.

State highlights HIV risk for Minn. women

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The Minnesota Department of Health says women have gone from being about 2 percent of Minnesota HIV cases in 1985 to 25 of the state's cases in 2011.

With nearly 1,700 women living with HIV in Minnesota, the state is hoping to raise awareness through the eighth annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Sunday, said Kris Ehresmann, the Department of Health director for infectious disease.

"Women are increasingly affected by HIV, and we want to make sure that they're aware of that and that they're getting tested," Ehresmann said. "Because one of the challenges is that there are individuals who are infected and aren't aware of it. And we know that getting into treatment early makes a huge difference both for the individual and for reducing transmission of disease."

Ehresmann said minority women are at particular risk for HIV in Minnesota, adding that women can take action in several ways.

"Get tested for HIV," she said. "Practice safe methods to prevent HIV -- condoms are an excellent method. Decide not to engage in high-risk behavior, either IV drug use or sexual activity -- decide to wait. Talk about HIV prevention with family and friends. Get those conversations going."

The Department of Health's website has a list of clinics where low-income women can receive free HIV testing.