WASHINGTON, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of communities across the country come together each June 27 to hold special awareness and testing events in support of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). The theme of this year’s campaign, “It’s Better to Know,” spotlights that people who test positive can receive care and treatment to preserve their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 280,000 people in the United States are HIV-positive and are unaware of their status.
The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) urges at-risk individuals to seek voluntary HIV testing and counseling to learn their HIV status. Local communities across the United States from New York City to Loredo, Texas, want to be part of the national solution to the AIDS epidemic and encourage at-risk Americans who have never had an HIV test or who have engaged in unprotected sex or shared needles since their last test to seek voluntary HIV counseling and testing.
(Media: for more information on local NHTD events, please log onto http://www.hivtest.org/ , and select your state and city for local contact information.)
“Communities across the country are coming together on National HIV Testing Day on June 27 to send a powerful message that it’s better to know your HIV status,” according to Terje (say “Terry”) Anderson, NAPWA’s Executive Director. “People who know they are HIV-positive can access care and treatment to preserve their health. People who know they are HIV-negative can get valuable support to help them stay that way.”
Examples of innovative community efforts include the following: -- The City of Laredo Health Department will hold a 6th annual 24-hour HIV testing marathon from Sunday, June 27 at 8:00 am through June 28 at 8:00 am. The event will take place at the City of Laredo Health Department Clinic, as well as satellite locations such as local bars, clubs, and truck stops. The health department has partnered with a local radio station to increase awareness for the event. Individuals who attend can also be screened for syphilis and tuberculosis. -- In New York City, many community-based organizations, activist groups, and health care providers will offer HIV testing and counseling services on June 27 as part of a joint recognition of National HIV Testing Day and New York City’s Gay Pride Day. Using mobile medical units, rapid testing methodologies, information tents, and live radio broadcasts, organizations such as Housing Works; Project WAVE; People of Color in Crisis, Inc.; Harlem United Inc; Bronx AIDS Services; Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS APICHA (Ryan Nena Center); and the NYC Department of Health Sexually-Transmitted Diseases (STD) Unit will promote the events and provide free HIV services all along the parade route and at satellite locations, including Black Gay Pride events in Brooklyn. -- In Atlanta, the National Council of Negro Women/Greater Atlanta Millennium Section (NCNW/GAMS) will be holding a testing event from 7 am to 7 pm on June 25 at the West End Mall. Confidential HIV counseling and testing and other STD screening will be available, with a variety of testing mechanisms offered. NCNW/GAMS will be supported in the effort by the Fulton County Health and Wellness, Our Common Welfare, and the Chauncey H. Robinson Youth Foundation. American Red Cross-certified HIV/AIDS instructors will be available to answer questions. An exhibit section will also provide access to African American HIV/AIDS education and service providers. Those who are tested for HIV will be eligible for a variety of incentives, including gift certificates and movie rentals. -- The Kansas City (MO) Free Health Clinic, in partnership with Move Up Inc., will host an outreach/testing festival for the second year in a row. This year’s festival, to be held from 11 am - 6 pm on June 25, is entitled “Urban Expo 2004" and will be staged on the Move Up Inc. grounds. Activities will include counseling and rapid HIV testing; a “Doctor’s Corner,” with physicians providing a discussion on HIV and other health topics; and a “Resource Fair” where community groups will display their services and information.
“NHTD events are planned in thousands of communities, both large and small. HIV counseling and testing has never been easier -- or more important -- than it is today,” says Anderson. “New tests are faster and more convenient. New treatments mean longer lives for people with HIV. 40,000 Americans continue to become HIV-positive year after year; we have a lot more work to do educating people about this disease and reducing this heartbreaking number. National HIV Testing Day is a critical step forward.”
Interested communities and organizations can still get involved with NHTD and sponsor events in their local areas. To assist in this effort, a community kit is available online at http://www.napwa.org/hivtestinfo .
Some of the funding for NHTD events was provided by public and private contributors, including CDC and the Health Resources Services Administration.
More Information on HIVtest.org
Sample radio and television PSAs, fact sheets, spokesperson bios, and other information on NHTD are available at http://www.hivtest.org/ .
NAPWA, founded in 1983, is the oldest national AIDS organization in the U.S. It advocates on behalf of all people living with HIV and AIDS in order to end the HIV pandemic and the human suffering caused by HIV.
CONTACT: Becky Grisham 636.328.0224 bgrisham@banyancommunications.com Anita Borgmeyer 636.328.0225 aborgmeyer@banyancommunications.com
National Association of People with AIDS
CONTACT: Becky Grisham, +1-636-328-0224,bgrisham@banyancommunications.com , or Anita Borgmeyer, +1-636-328-0225,aborgmeyer@banyancommunications.com , both for National Association of Peoplewith AIDS
