Are You Positive You're Negative?

National HIV Testing Day is coming up on June 27, 2009. Time to roll up your sleeves and get tested.

Each year, on June 27, the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other national and local entities across the country organizes National HIV Testing Day. This unique initiative sends the message, “Take the Test, Take Control,” to those at risk from HIV from those already living with HIV.

NAPWA was one of the first AIDS organizations to advocate that people at risk of infection should seek out voluntary HIV counseling and testing. As people living with HIV/AIDS, NAPWA members and staff understand that knowledge of HIV status is essential to making informed decisions about their lives. NAPWA took this knowledge one-step further in 1995 by launching the National HIV Testing Day campaign.

National HIV Testing Day was developed in response to the growing number of HIV infections in communities of color and other heavily impacted communities. Today, CDC estimates approximately 250,000 Americans are living with HIV but unaware of their HIV status. NAPWA believes HIV testing is a critical first step in taking control and responsibility over one’s health.

To learn more about how to participate in NHTD, visit the NAPWA HIV Testing Day Web site or e-mail nhtd@napwa.org.