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LAREDO, TEXAS (KGNS) - The city of Laredo Health Department receives a grant meant to combine comprehensive HIV/AIDS services with substance abuse and or behavioral health services.
According to officials, it’s a two million dollar grant that is needed in the community.
The city of Laredo Health Department is receiving a two million dollar federal grant with the objective to to help the city reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
It’s a big issue that city of Laredo Health Department director, Dr. Hector Gonzalez says needs more attention.
“Since the 1980’s when we started testing we’ve had over 500 positive persons here in Laredo with HIV. 150 have died since the 1980’s when we began testing, and so it is an issue. I’m most concerned because it still carries a stigma in our community”, said Dr. Gonzalez.
According the Texas Department of State Health Services, Webb County is ranking 22nd in a list of 25 Texas counties with the highest number of people living with HIV.
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