World AIDS Day marked with local resource fair

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The 2015 World AIDS Day Committee brought a number of local resources together Tuesday afternoon to help those who want to learn more about testing and other services.

As part of World AIDS Day, which is Dec. 1, the Loft Cinema on Speedway Boulevard hosted an event to the public that included music, dancing and local artists.

According to the Pima County Health Department, there were 88 new cases of HIV in 2013.

That number fell the following year with 78 new HIV cases reported in 2014.

Barbara Lock said that number could be higher since people may choose not to get tested because they're afraid of diagnosis.

"And when I did reach her by phone she said I'm going to have to come out and see you. That told me I was positive," Lock said, recalling the news of her diagnosis at age 58.

She said her husband knew his status and didn't tell her.

"I looked at him and I said I'm HIV positive and his face fell to the ground. He was afraid I would leave him, and I would not have, but I would have been protected," she said.

Thanks to support services in Pima County, Lock said she didn't have to go through it alone, and she even leans on her now-ex-husband for strength.

"I support him in his journey and he supports me in my journey. You have a life ahead of you, live it, love it, you know, have fun, enjoy what you have," she said.

For information on affordable HIV testing and other support services, contact the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation at (520) 628-7223 or toll free at (800) 771-9054.