January 27, 2003
In the Bay Area, it is especially important for us to get tested because of the disproportionate impact that HIV/AIDS has had on minority communities, whether it be communities of color or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered community. Getting tested represents the first step towards living responsibly with the disease and the first step to accessing necessary care and treatment services. But getting tested must also be followed by a return visit to learn of the test results. Too many individuals who have the courage to submit to an HIV test are unwilling, for one reason or another, to return for their results. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that of those testing positive for HIV in 2000, nearly 30% did not return for their results, as did nearly 40% of those who tested negative.
Faster HIV tests will help to reduce the time it takes to receive preliminary results, but many of these devices are still not in widespread use. In the meantime, regardless of where you go or how it is administered, I urge you to get an HIV test. The results you receive may save your life.
To find out more information on how AIDS is transmitted and on where and how to get tested, visit the CDC’s National HIV Testing Resource website at: www.hivtest.org. Or you can also call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-2437 (English), 1-800-344-7432 (Spanish), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY).
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on National HIV Testing Day
Every year in the United States another 40,000 individuals are infected with HIV, adding to the estimated 800,000 to 900,000 people already living with the virus. Of these individuals, almost a quarter do not even know that they are infected. That is why today, in recognition of National HIV Testing Day, I am urging everyone unaware of their HIV status to go to their local health clinic and get tested.In the Bay Area, it is especially important for us to get tested because of the disproportionate impact that HIV/AIDS has had on minority communities, whether it be communities of color or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered community. Getting tested represents the first step towards living responsibly with the disease and the first step to accessing necessary care and treatment services. But getting tested must also be followed by a return visit to learn of the test results. Too many individuals who have the courage to submit to an HIV test are unwilling, for one reason or another, to return for their results. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that of those testing positive for HIV in 2000, nearly 30% did not return for their results, as did nearly 40% of those who tested negative.
Faster HIV tests will help to reduce the time it takes to receive preliminary results, but many of these devices are still not in widespread use. In the meantime, regardless of where you go or how it is administered, I urge you to get an HIV test. The results you receive may save your life.
To find out more information on how AIDS is transmitted and on where and how to get tested, visit the CDC’s National HIV Testing Resource website at: www.hivtest.org. Or you can also call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-2437 (English), 1-800-344-7432 (Spanish), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY).
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