Monday, July 6, 2009

Mid-Missouri has experienced an 18 percent increase in people seeking treatment for HIV/AIDS, according to RAIN, the organization that handles case management for patients in the area, AP/Springfield News-Leader reports (7/5). Cale Mitchell, executive director of RAIN, said in the 12 month period ending in May, the group added 58 clients who either tested positive for HIV or began seeking services. "Some of that increase can be explained by more widespread testing by local agencies and clinics, but other factors include a casual attitude toward the disease among young people and a perception that HIV is a treatable condition because of medical advances," writes the Columbia Daily Tribune (Greaney, 7/5).