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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 26, 2003
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Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343/p>
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STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2003
In this country, we are experiencing a national health crisis, and that crisis is HIV/AIDS. Every year an estimated 40,000 new HIV infections are reported. Of the approximately 850,000 to 950,000 Americans living with HIV, a fourth don't know they are infected.
Given these statistics, it's more important than ever that Americans take note of National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27th.
This annual observance is an invaluable opportunity for people to get the information they need to take control of their health and their lives. HIV testing is important because early detection of the disease allows for early treatment, which can both prolong and improve quality of life.
Let's make National HIV Testing Day the day we as a nation rededicate and recommit ourselves to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Too many sons, brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers and children in our communities have lost the fight to this devastating disease.
To learn more about National HIV Testing Day visit www.hivtest.org or www.nhtd.org. For more information about HIV/AIDS, call the National CDC AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS (English) 1-800 344-SIDA (en Espanol), 1-800-243-7889 (TTY).
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Last Revised: June 26, 2003
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