While there is hardly any doubt left that AIDS is being stigmatized by many, there are people who feel that one should be open while talking about their sex life. Who better than people who are part of the health department can tell about what they face day to day while dealing with such cases.

There is need for people to come forward and get themselves checked for sexually transmitted diseases else they could be at the risk of infection others also. One such public health worker is Hannah Stutts who is working as Non-Traditional Testing Sites Coordinator for the health department.

There is need to make people aware about a non-traditional testing site which is identified as part of Stopping Mecklenburg's Acceleration of Syphilis and HIV, also known as SMASH program. There are a large number of cases of syphilis in Mecklenburg County, and perhaps this is what has pushed people to come forward with novel ideas so that such cases could be managed. It is through SMASH people that people are able to get hold of free and confidential HIV and Syphilis testing across the county regularly.

Hannah is of the view that there should be transparency about the issue so that the lingering fears about the disease could be ward off. Even when someone is married, partners must get themselves checked for STD to keep their partner safe. There is huge responsibility on the shoulders of parents to make their college going kids to understand that they must get themselves checked on regular basis if they are dating someone.

One must not overlook what all is being said about the growing concern over STDs. While the 2012 AIDS Walk is coming up on May 5, 2012, there is need for initiatives being taken in the same regard so that situation could be improved across the world.