In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is sponsoring free HIV testing at agencies throughout the state.

In 2005, females represented 26 percent of new US AIDS cases, compared to just 11 percent of cases in 1990. Most HIV infections among women are linked to heterosexual sex and injection drug use. And women of color are disproportionately affected by the disease.

"National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day recognizes the growing impact the HIV epidemic is having on women and girls throughout the country," said DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. "The number of women and girls diagnosed with AIDS has grown significantly, and it is important that they are aware of their HIV status and do what they can to protect themselves from this horrible disease."

Any Connecticut resident who is age 13 or older can undergo confidential testing and treatment, if necessary, without parental consent.

For a listing of agencies participating in the testing outreach, telephone 860-509-7801. For more on the national awareness campaign, visit http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/woman