Know your status on National HIV Testing Day

According to the CDC, some 56,000 new HIV infections are reported in the U.S. each year, while an estimated 17,000 people die each year from AIDS.

Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the CDC, echoed the president’s words, calling for more testing:

“Whether you test positive or negative, simply knowing your HIV status is empowering,” Fenton said today via a media release. “Testing negative can give you peace of mind and encourage you to take steps to keep yourself HIV-free. And while certainly a difficult diagnosis to receive, learning that you have HIV can lead you to seek treatment that can save your life, and access to the knowledge you need to protect the lives of others.”

Earlier this year, the CDC suggested that those at a higher risk of contracting HIV should be tested more than once a year.

For a list of HIV/AIDS health organizations (including free, confidential testing) and counseling services, click here.

 

Top photo: President Barack Obama urges Americans to get tested for HIV on National HIV Testing Day (official photo)