KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - This Sunday, June 30th, Public Health - Seattle & King County will be out in force focusing on a wide variety of health topics, from tobacco to HIV/AIDS prevention, at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Rally at Volunteer Park in Seattle.

"All populations have a right to healthy living and to be proud of their communities," said King County Executive Ron Sims. Sims has declared June as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month in King County.

The Public Health HIV/AIDS Program will offer anonymous HIV counseling and testing at the rally, using both the "oral fluids" test and the standard blood test. The "oral fluids" test uses a mouth swab to test for HIV antibodies, allowing rally-goers to avoid the inconvenience of a blood draw. Last year, over 70 people received HIV testing and counseling at the Gay Pride Rally. Additionally, Public Health will be offering STD screenings and referrals at the rally.

Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Program will distribute educational materials and Tobacco Quit Kits containing information specific to the issues of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Studies suggest that sexual minorities use tobacco at a higher rate than the general population, resulting in higher rates of tobacco related diseases.

Please visit the following Public Health websites:

• Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender health
• HIV/AIDS
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Tobacco prevention