June 27th. is National HIV Testing Day - So Get Tested Already

Friday, June 27th. is recognized as National HIV Testing Day across the US. Agencies around the country are offering free HIV testing for all who want to know their status. Experts agree that the best way to slow or stop the HIV epidemic is to know your status. Knowing your status allows you to protect yourself and your loved ones. So important is HIV testing that beginning June 27th., the New York City Health Department will offer HIV testing for anyone who wants to be testing when they present to emergency rooms around the Bronx. HIV testing agencies, churches and local community centers will also offer testing. The goal is to have all Bronx residents ages 18 to 64 learn their HIV status over the next three years. The Bronx has the highest death rate from AIDS of any of the boroughs at 37 deaths per 100,000 people. The United States AIDS death rate is a little more than 4 deaths per 100,000 people. I urge everyone to get tested if you don't know your status. Urge your friends to get tested....take your partner, lover, husband or wife and get tested together. Everyone should know their HIV status.

Related HIV Testing Information

• How is HIV Diagnosed?

• Who Does the CDC Think Should be Tested - Should You be Tested?

• 5 Reasons to Get HIV Tested

• HIV Testing Resources

In Other News

A Caution About Rapid HIV Testing

Data from the New York City Health Department shows that there have been a cluster of false positive HIV tests associated with the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV 1/2 Antibody Test prompting officials to suspend its use. The OraQuick finger prick test is still being used. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports they are investigating similar false positive tests in other cities as well. As of yet the CDC has not determined the cause of these higher than expected incidences of false positive tests.

You can find the nearest HIV testing site by calling the CDC's information line at (800) 232-4636 or find a testing site online by using the CDC Testing Site Locator.