Barbara Lee: Get Tested on National HIV Testing Day
(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) today encouraged anyone who is concerned or unaware of his or her HIV status to participate in National HIV Testing Day and to get tested.
“In a nation where over a quarter of a million people are unaware that they have HIV/AIDS, expanding HIV counseling and testing is critical to stopping this disease,” said Lee. “I encourage anyone who has any question about their HIV status to get tested today.”
“Testing saves lives and it is one of the simplest things we can do to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,” said Lee. “We have seen this epidemic continue to spread, particularly in the African American community, in part because people don’t know that they are infected.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States recently surpassed 1,000,000—and more than 25 percent of those who are infected are not even aware of it. Without knowledge of their HIV+ status each of these individuals could potentially spread the disease to countless others.
Increasing the availability of HIV tests, especially rapid tests kits, and encouraging individuals to seek out voluntary counseling and testing can make a significant difference in reducing the spread of HIV.
In order to combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and the anxiety involving the test itself, the National Association of People with AIDS, in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control, produces National HIV Testing Day, an annual campaign that culminates on June 27th. This year’s theme is “Take the test, take control,” emphasizing the fact that just getting tested can produce behavioral change regardless of the diagnosis.
Last week, Lee introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day in an effort to help stem the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“Getting tested and talking about how important it is can go a long way towards reducing the stigma and anxiety around HIV, and can encourage others to get tested as well,” said Lee.
For more information, or to find a local testing site, visit the CDC’s website at: http://hivtest.org/.
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