Frequently Asked Questions

The Damien Center is the leading social service organization in central Indiana dedicated to those individuals, their families and friends who are impacted by HIV/AIDS. Please visit regularly as we continue to grow this area of our website. For a specific question or concern, please contact us.

Who does the Damien Center serve?
The Damien Center serves everyone infected by HIV/AIDS. We welcome anyone and everyone to visit the center for testing, with questions or for families and friends who are affected by a loved one with HIV/AIDS. Any HIV/AIDS-infected or affected individual is able to use our programs and services.

What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. Most of these people with an HIV infection will develop AIDS.

What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An HIV positive person does not necessarily have AIDS. An HIV-infected person receives a diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person who has not had any serious illnesses also can receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4+ counts). A doctor makes the diagnosis of whether a person has AIDS using clinical criteria.

Medical treatments are available to help slow the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system. While there are a variety of treatments, there is no cure. Regular testing and early detection offers more options for treatment and preventative care.

How do I know if I'm HIV positive?
The Damien Center offers daily HIV testing that is confidential and free. Regular testing and preventative care is necessary for your health and to reduce the risk of obtaining HIV.

If I am HIV positive, when will I develop AIDS?
The development of AIDS varies greatly from person to person. Each person's body and health conditions are different; therefore the specific time for AIDS to develop is different. However, it has been considered that an individual living with HIV will develop AIDS within 10 years of time.