All NC inmates can be screened for HIV
RALEIGH — The Correction Department plans to screen all inmates for the virus that causes AIDS, starting in November.
The News & Observer or Raleigh reported Thursday that the move to screen for HIV comes after pressure from public health officials, lawmakers and black religious leaders.
Dr. Peter Leone with the North Carolina Division of Public Health said the testing is a moral imperative for prisoners and the public. He says the public must be concerned about inmates who are released from prison.
Correction Department spokesman Keith Acree says the testing will be part of inmate’s routine screening when they are admitted to the system or when current inmates get their annual physical.
But the police does not require inmates to submit to the screening.
Until now, inmates have had to request an HIV test to get one.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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