National HIV Testing Day: HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

Today, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a statement recognizing the 19th annual observance of National HIV Testing Day (#NHTD).

National HIV Testing Day: Juanes for Lifebeat

Did you know that despite decreases in HIV across Colorado, gay men still comprise an overwhelming majority of people diagnosed with HIV locally?

Today is National HIV Testing Day, and Juanes is encouraging people to get tested in a new PSA for a campaign spearheaded by Lifebeat in partnership with the CDC, MTV’s GYT Now, Viacom and Sirius/XM.

National HIV Testing Day: Juanes & Swizz say #Test4Life

Today is National HIV Testing Day and Swizz Beatz and Juanes are encouraging people to #Test4Life as part of a campaign spearheaded by Lifebeat in partnership with the CDC and MTV's GYT Now. 

Last night, Juanes met with his friends at the CDC's Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention before his arena concert in Atlanta (photo info below).

National HIV Testing Day: Take Action: Get Tested

Today, in a statement, the President highlighted the importance of HIV testing:

 

"Today is National HIV Testing Day, when we encourage people across the United States to get tested. Early detection and treatment for HIV saves lives, and yet over half of adults in the United States have never been tested. Nearly one in five people living with HIV in this country doesn’t know his or her status. That delays treatment, increases the risk of transmission, and sets us back in our fight against the epidemic. 

Getting an HIV test is easier and faster than ever. And this past April, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that everyone between the ages of 15 and 65 get screened for HIV as part of their routine health care. That means, under the Affordable Care Act, new health care plans will be required to cover HIV testing without any additional out-of-pocket costs.

But more Americans still need to decide to take the test. We know from experience here at home and around the world that HIV testing opens the door to treatment, reduces the spread of the virus, and helps people lead longer, healthier lives. That’s why, on a trip to Africa in 2006, Michelle and I were tested for HIV – because there should be no shame or stigma associated with knowing your status. And if we each do our part by getting tested – and encourage our friends and family to do the same – then we will move closer to an AIDS-free generation."

As the President pointed out, getting tested is about taking action – so take the time and get tested.
To see a video from me on the importance of getting tested, click here. To see a video from the President’s trip to Africa in 2006, click here.

Ask your healthcare provider for the test. Or find the nearest HIV testing center to you.

Reposted from the White House Blog. Written by Grant Colfax, MD, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy

National HIV Testing Day: Time to Get Into the Testing Habit

Tomorrow, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. Nearly one in five people living with HIV don't even know it. So get tested. It can be scary but it's important to know your status--negative or positive--so you can best take care of your health.

“Despite decreases in HIV across Colorado, gay men still comprise an overwhelming majority of people diagnosed with HIV locally," says Mark Thrun, MD – Director HIV/STD Prevention and Control, Denver Public Health. "Denver Public Health, Tri-County Health Department, and Jefferson County Public Health recommend that gay men think about getting tested every six months through their primary care provider, with a home test, or through one of the low cost testing centers found on BeTested.CO. National HIV Testing Day is a fantastic time to start thinking about making testing a habit.”

Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day

Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day:

National HIV Testing Day reminds each of us to do our part in fighting HIV/AIDS and get tested. It has been thirty years since we witnessed the emergence of HIV, an illness from which roughly 600,000 Americans have died and with which more than one million Americans live.  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.  And for the first time, we have a comprehensive plan for addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our country.

Last July, my Administration released a National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States which commits this nation to reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care for people living with HIV and reducing HIV-related health disparities.  The Strategy’s release came amid important scientific advances to help protect the health of people with HIV and prevent further transmission. One in five Americans living with HIV is not aware of their infection and this research highlights the imperative of making sure people know their HIV status and getting those who do have HIV into care.

All of us have a responsibility to ourselves and those around us to know our status and reduce our risk.  So on this National HIV Testing Day and every day, I encourage every American to join the fight against HIV/AIDS and get tested.

Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day

The following statement has just been released by President Obama on National HIV Testing Day:

This Sunday is National HIV Testing Day, an occasion to raise awareness of the steps each of us can take as individuals to fight HIV/AIDS. As we mark this day, I would like to renew my call for all Americans to help reduce the risk of infection by getting tested for HIV and learning their HIV status. One in five Americans who are currently living with HIV-- more than 230,000 people -- do not know their status. The majority of HIV infections are spread by those who are unaware that they have the disease. And research shows that people who know their status take better care of themselves and take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others. That is why it is so important that people get tested.

In recent years, we have made huge advances in HIV research, prevention and care. Still, HIV and AIDS remains an epidemic in this country. That is why my Administration is launching in the coming days a comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy focused on reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care, and reducing HIV-related health disparities. But government cannot address this important issue alone. We need the commitment of businesses, churches and faith groups, philanthropic organizations, the scientific and medical communities, educational institutions and others. And all of us have a responsibility to reduce our risk and know our status, to continue to support those already affected by this disease, and to fight the stigma and discrimination people still face. So on this National HIV Testing Day, let us all recommit to do our part to help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.