HIV/AIDS

There's a new push to make testing for the HIV/AIDS virus as common as cholesterol checks. An independent panel that sets screening guidelines is proposing all Americans ages 15 to 64 get an HIV test at least once - not just people considered at high risk.

The number of new cases of HIV went down in 2011, compared to the year before. The Minnesota Department of Health says there were 292 confirmed cases last year, down from the 331 reported in 2010. Forty-one of last year's new cases were in greater Minnesota.

Restaurants in St. Cloud and Alexandria are joining in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Participating restaurants donate a portion of their sales to help people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Rural AIDS Action Network is hosting a Commemorative Service at their office at 300 East St. Germain Street at 5:00 p.m. There will be a brief video and a time to remember friends and family who have died of AIDS.

Free, confidential HIV testing is being offered this week in conjunction with the 11th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Monday.