National HIV Testing day is Monday, June 27th, a day originally founded in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS. Over the years, there has been much progress in the research of AIDS and the treatments for HIV-positive individuals.
Looking back, we can see how much has changed since the term AIDS was first used in 1982:
- In 1988, The Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation was founded by an HIV-postive mom of two HIV-positive children.
- NBA star Magic Johnson announces that he is HIV-positive in 1991.
- Philadelphia, a film based on AIDS and starring Tom Hanks, was released in 1993.
- In 1994, AIDS becomes the largest cause of death for all American people between the ages of 25 to 44.
- The first annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day took place in 2006.
With nearly 1 million people in the United States living with AIDS/HIV, nearly 21% of those infected remain unaware of their infection.
Over 100 separat facilities provide HIV testing to individuals who consider themselves at risk. For the nearest location, check out the HIV/AIDS Prevention & Service Providers Location widget on the official AIDS website. You can also send a text message with your zip code to KNOWIT (566948).
The Kemet Coalition is hosting an HIV Testing event on Sunday, June 26th at 1735 Euclid Avenue, San Diego, 92105, in the parking lot of the Rite Aid Pharmacy. This event will run from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. San Diego Chargers #91, Ogemdi Nwagbuo will be on hand to sign autographs and DJ Kali will provide music along with other live entertainment.
The San Diego Family Health Center provides services to those living with AIDS/HIV and offers prevention, outreach, education, testing and support services in San Diego County at several locations conveniently located along the public transportation routes and hold a clean syringe exchange at their downtown and North Park locations.
AIDS and HIV effect the entire family when someone is diagnosed. How do you know if you should be tested? Read the guidelines provided on the resource pages listed below or ask your doctor if you are at risk.
Resources:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National HIV and STD Testing Resources
AIDS.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
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