BETHLEHEM, Pa., June 26, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSUR), a leader in point of care diagnostic tests and specimen collection devices, today announced its support of various rapid HIV testing initiatives and events taking place this week in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of National HIV Testing Day, held each year on June 27th. These testing initiatives, happening across the country, will help encourage thousands of people across the U.S. to get tested for HIV with the OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody test.
“Each year, National HIV Testing Day presents a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and encourage individuals to get tested,” said Douglas A. Michels, President and Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. “Testing is critical to stemming the spread of HIV and our rapid test technology has empowered millions of people to learn their HIV status and live longer and healthier lives. We are proud to be working with community organizations across the country to promote this important observance.”
National HIV Testing Day is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to encourage Americans to get tested for the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S., an estimated 14 percent do not know that they are infected. Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives and is known to reduce the spread of HIV.
Key highlights of OraSure’s National HIV Testing Day initiatives include:
U.S. Capitol Hill Event Commemorates 20th Anniversary of National HIV Testing Day
The National Medical Association, the Black Women’s Health Imperative and the Congressional HIV Caucus held a reception on Thursday, June 25th to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of National HIV Testing Day. The event featured remarks by leaders in government and the healthcare community who spoke on the importance of testing and critical advancements that have been made including the launch of the nation’s first and only rapid HIV test available over the counter – the OraQuick® In-Home HIV Test.
Greater Than AIDS and The D.I.V.A. Foundation
In support of National HIV Testing Day, OraSure has teamed with the Greater Than AIDS campaign and The D.I.V.A. Foundation to support free rapid HIV testing with OraQuick ADVANCE® in multiple locations throughout Atlanta on June 26th and June 27th. The testing events are part of a national initiative taking place in more than 150 cities from June 25-27.
Rapid HIV Testing Events with OraQuick ADVANCE®
OraSure is also supporting numerous National HIV Testing Day events, using the OraQuick ADVANCE® rapid HIV test, taking place across the country in major cities including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore and Miami. Given the high rate of co-infection for hepatitis C (HCV) among individuals who are at risk for HIV, several sites in these cities are also offering HCV testing with the OraQuick® HCV rapid test.
About OraSure Technologies
OraSure Technologies is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of point of care diagnostic and collection devices and other technologies designed to detect or diagnose critical medical conditions. Its first-to-market, innovative products include rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to HIV and HCV on the OraQuick® platform, oral fluid sample collection, stabilization and preparation products for molecular diagnostic applications, and oral fluid laboratory tests for detecting various drugs of abuse. OraSure’s portfolio of products is sold globally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations and other public health organizations, research and academic institutions, distributors, government agencies, physicians’ offices, commercial and industrial entities and consumers. The Company’s products enable healthcare providers to deliver critical information to patients, empowering them to make decisions to improve and protect their health.
For more information on OraSure Technologies, please visit www.orasure.com.
CONTACT: Media Contact: Jennifer Moritz Zer0 to 5ive for OraSure Technologies 917-748-4006 jmoritz@0to5.com
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