HIV/AIDS Services

Home > Public Health (PH) > Services > Clinic >> HIV/AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), a condition that impacts the immune system and eventually causes death. The main goal of the HIV/AIDS Program is to slow the spread of HIV in Shasta County. This is accomplished by providing active HIV/AIDS surveillance, education and prevention activities, HIV counseling and testing, as well as partner counseling and referral services.

HIV is a virus that is found in the following body fluids:

1. Blood
2. Vaginal Secretions
3. Semen
4. Breast Milk

HIV is a virus that is transmitted in the following ways:

1. Sex (oral, anal, vaginal)
2. Needles (drug, tattoo, piercing)
3. Blood transfusions, blood products or organ transplants prior to 1985
4. Mother-to-baby (before, during, and after birth) 

HIV infection can be prevented by:

1. Protected Sex (condoms or latex barriers)
2. Sex only with negative partner(s)
3. Not sharing needles for drugs, tattoos, or piercings (Blood Borne Diseases-Syringe Exchange Program)
4. Not sharing drug works (cottons, spoons, etc.)   

Partner Counseling & Referral Service (PCRS): a voluntary and confidential disclosure assistance service available to HIV-infected individuals and their sex and/or needle-sharing partners. The goal is to prevent the transmission of HIV and to improve the quality of life for all at-risk individuals and communities (225-5298).

Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic (STD): provides testing and treatment of STDs at low-cost. Clinic is offered Tuesdays from 1:30 - 4:00 pm at Public Health 2650 Breslauer Way in Redding (225-5591).

HIV Counseling & Testing Services:  available Tuesday from 1:30 - 4:00 pm at Public Health 2650 Breslauer Way in Redding (225-5591) for STD clients during STD Clinic hours.

Shasta County HIV/AIDS Referral List

HIV/AIDS Hotlines:

National AIDS Hotline: 1(800) 342-AIDS (2437)

Spanish AIDS Hotline: 1(800) 344-7423

California AIDS Hotline: 1(800) 367-2437

Websites:
California Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"Building a Healthier Community"

Disclaimer
A large and growing amount of health information exists on the Web. This information varies widely in quality and focus. The links on this site will lead you to reliable sources of information. Some of these links may provide personal health information; these are designed for educational use and are not intended to replace advice from a health professional. Some of these sites display advertising; the Shasta County Department of Public Health does not endorse any product or service offers. Further, some of these sites may occasionally support or oppose a state or local ballot measure; the Shasta County Department of Public Health does not promote or discourage the passage of any state or local ballot measure and does not use any County resources for campaigning purposes.