June 27 is National HIV Test Day - Do You Know Your Status?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
JC Jones MA RN
This weekend I watched a fascinating movie - Cover a murder mystery filmed in my home town of Philadelphia. It's a mystery with an HIV/AIDS twist and features the main character - a married woman- waiting at a clinic for her HIV test.
The CDC estimates that as many as 25% of the people infected with HIV/AIDS in the US don't know their status. The National Association of People Living with AIDS (NAPWA) started National HIV Testing Day 13 years ago as a way to promote early diagnosis and treatment - and of course prevent the spread to other unsuspecting people. The NAPWA site makes it easy to search for a testing center by your zip code.
You can get tested with complete anonymity at any of these clinics. Or if you want to get involved in any of the public events happening this week in to bring awareness to this issue, there are many opportunities.
Actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and state Senator Vincent Hughes will be hosting a press event to encourage couples to get tested with their “TEST TOGETHER” campaign on Friday, June 27, 2008 to honor National HIV Testing Day at 11 AM at Love Park at 16th and JFK Boulevard in Philadelphia. Look for events like this one in your city and get tested this week. Know your status!
Labels: AIDS, Bill Duke, Cover, down low, HIV, HIV status
