Vigo County Health Department: “Hopefully a situation like this won’t happen again in our county on our watch”
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) – A man accused of spreading HIV for more than a decade has several agencies stressing the importance of getting tested.
Isiah Benford, 31, is accused of knowingly infecting nine women with HIV, one developed AIDS as a result.
Court documents refer specifically to four alleged victims but acknowledges at least 11 different females who have engaged in sexual activity with Benford. The Vigo County Health Department tells News 10 there is a possibility there are more victims who have not come forward or might not know they have HIV.
The Health Department along with Indiana State Police is urging those who believe they may have had sexual contact with Benford between September 11, 2003 and April 26, 2014 to get tested.
“When you know your status you can start making informed choices, especially in regards to treatment. There are over 30 anti-retroviral drugs that have a positive affect for individuals that have HIV, and the earlier it’s detected and the earlier a person gets on their meds the greater chances they have of a long healthy life,” said Joni Wise, with the Vigo County Health Department.
The Health Department has been working with Indiana State Police to build a case against Benford for nearly a year. Wise said the charges brought against Benford show great progress in the fight against HIV. He is currently facing 16 charges in connected to the alleged spreading of HIV.
“Hopefully a situation like this won’t happen again in our county on our watch,” said Wise.
Free testing is offered at the health department clinic, which is at 696 South 1st Street, on every third Tuesday of every month from 12 to 3 p.m.
Positive Link is currently offering HIV testing from 12 to 3 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at the Walgreens on Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute. On the second Friday of each month, Positive Link is at the Walgreens on U.S. 41 South from noon to 3 p.m. providing free testing.
No appointments are necessary at all sites.
Positive Link is a program of Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital Community Health that offers free HIV prevention and testing services as well as direct services for those infected with HIV. For more information about Positive Link’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 812-353-9150.