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National HIV Testing Day 2009
June 27, 2009
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June 27, 2009 marks the 15th annual observance of National HIV Testing Day. HIV testing is a critical component of HIV/AIDS prevention. The purpose of National HIV Testing Day is to reach those who have never been tested or who have engaged in high-risk behavior since their last test. National HIV Testing Day focuses on encouraging people to know their HIV status, and also strives to end the fear and stigma associated with HIV testing.

Why is it important to get tested for HIV? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2007 HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 39% of people diagnosed with HIV in 2006 progressed to AIDS within 12 months of their diagnosis. An earlier diagnosis and proper treatment in the early stages of the disease may lead to more effective management of HIV and may slow the progression of AIDS.

The Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings reports that in 2003, there were approximately 1.0 to 1.2 million persons in the United States with HIV, and approximately one-fourth of those persons (252,000-312,000) were unaware of their HIV status. Knowing their status can help HIV-infected individuals gain access to medical care before they begin to develop symptoms and decrease the possibility of unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. This emphasizes the importance of HIV testing - when people know their HIV status, they can take control of their health and their lives.

So you're HIV positive... Now what? Where do you turn to get the information you need and can trust to manage your treatment and care? AIDSinfo offers reliable information about HIV/AIDS, its treatment, and clinical trials testing new HIV drugs. Our Live Help health information specialists (Spanish- and English-speaking) are available Monday through Friday, noon to 4 PM Eastern time to provide one-on-one assistance via the Internet. They can help identify resources and answer questions about HIV and its treatment. Or, if you prefer, contact us by phone and speak directly to our health information specialists Monday through Friday, noon to 5 PM Eastern time. Call us toll-free at: 1-800-448-0440, or contact us by e-mail at: ContactUs@aidsinfo.nih.gov.

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National HIV Testing Day Web Sites

HHS HIV Testing Day Web site: In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created this Web site to provide information about the importance of HIV testing. 

HHS Video Message - The Importance of HIV Testing: A video message from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius regarding National HIV Testing Day.  

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National HIV Testing Day Press Release: A statement by Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, on National HIV Testing Day.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National HIV Testing Day Web site: Provides information about National HIV Testing Day, including HIV testing and transmission-related statistics and links to testing resources.


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Where Can I Locate HIV Testing Sites in My Area?

National HIV Testing Resource: Database of HIV testing centers across the United States organized by zip code that provides an option to search by different types of HIV tests. From the CDC.

 


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General Information about HIV Tests

HIV Testing Information: Provides links to general testing information, including fact sheets and HIV testing-related guidelines. From AIDS.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions about HIV Testing: Provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions about HIV testing. From AIDS.gov.

Counseling and HIV Testing: Web site with information about counseling as it relates to HIV testing. Provided by USAID.

How HIV Tests Work: Explains Different types of HIV tests and how they work. From the CDC.

Rapid HIV Testing: Provides information about the Rapid HIV Test, including guidelines for use. From the CDC.

FDA-Approved Tests for HIV:  Provides information about HIV tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved HIV test kits. From the FDA.


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Guidelines for HIV Testing

Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings: Revised in September 2006. From the CDC.

Revised Guidelines for HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral: Revised in November 2001. From the CDC.

Revised Recommendations for HIV Screening of Pregnant Women: Revised in November 2001. From the CDC.

Screening for HIV - Recommendation Statement: Screening recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Current as of April 2007.


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