Kelly's Blog

National HIV Testing Day is June 27th

National HIV Testing Day

Every year since 1995, the folks the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) organize National HIV Testing Day on June 27^th. They bring together local organizations around the country to work with communities in promoting early diagnosis and testing for HIV.

When you get to the facts that a quarter of the people who are HIV positive in the United States don’t know it, you can’t shake the absolute urgency of being tested. In last winter’s overblown anxiety about H1N1 flu, people weren’t flying or getting on trains because they feared infection. There were daily news stories about the shortage of vaccines and the steps you needed to talk to ward off infection.

But how often do we talk about HIV infection in the mainstream media today? Are you taking precautions to prevent infection?

Early diagnosis and access to treatment mean the difference between life and death for those with HIV. They can also mean the same difference for those you have sex or share needles with in the coming years. Knowing your HIV status helps you make better decisions for yourself and those you share your life with.

On June 27^th, state and local health departments, community-based organizations, HIV testing sites, and AIDS service providers across the United States will participate in events for National HIV Testing Day. These activities will include health fairs, community education, special events, and extended testing hours.

Right here in Phoenix, Southwest Center for HIV/ AIDS (www.swhiv.org) is offering free HIV testing on June 26 to honor National HIV Testing Day. Want to know more about events in your town or state?  Please go to http://www.hivtest.org/press_files/events.cfm and click on your state to see the events.

Knowledge is power. Know your status.

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