Take the Test. Take Control: National HIV Testing Day

Categories: Disability.Blog News
By Miguel Gomez, Director, AIDS.gov 
Take the Test. Take Control. That’s the theme of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), observed every year on June 27. President Obama has said National HIV Testing Day “reminds each of us to do our part in fighting HIV/AIDS and get tested. After years of critical investments in research, prevention and care, we now have the tools to stem the spread of the disease and extend the lives of those Americans living with HIV.”
As reported in a 2009 “Disability and HIV Policy Brief” from the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, “the relationship between HIV and disability has not received due attention, although people with disabilities are found among all key populations at higher risk of exposure to HIV.”  The brief discusses why persons with disabilities may be at risk for HIV infection. Reasons include risk behaviors, sexual violence and access to HIV education, information and prevention services.
The disability community has long been a solid ally in the response to HIV/AIDS. As we approach NHTD, I appreciate the opportunity as a guest blogger to speak to this community about HIV testing.
Why Take the Test?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than one million Americans are living with HIV; and one in five do not know their HIV status. 
To quote Dr. Frieden of the CDC:
Research shows that once people get tested, those who are HIV positive take steps to protect their partners from HIV. Testing HIV negative is also beneficial – as it empowers individuals to take stock of – and modify – risky sexual behaviors so that they can remain HIV negative.
If you are HIV positive – what you don’t know CAN hurt you – and others. A third of those with HIV are tested very late and develop AIDS within a year of their HIV diagnosis, which may be too late to utilize the full benefits of treatment. Approximately 17,000 Americans with AIDS still die each year.
Find a Testing Site 
We at AIDS.gov believe it is essential that we link people to local HIV test sites. I encourage everyone to use and share the HIV/AIDS Prevention & Service Provider Locator –  a simple tool for anyone in the U.S. to find HIV testing, prevention, housing, mental health, substance abuse and treatment services.
In addition, people can locate local HIV testing sites by sending a text message with their ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948), visiting www.HIVtest.org, or calling 800-CDC-INFO.
Want to know more?  

• Learn more about HIV/AIDS and National HIV Testing Day.
• Register by June 22 for the “HIV Testing for an AIDS-Free Generation” webinar/conference call to be held June 26 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 
• Learn about the U.S. Government presence at AIDS 2012.