News Release

Statement by Kathleen G. Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Regarding National HIV Testing Day—June 27, 2009

I am honored to join my colleagues and organizations such as the National Association of People with AIDS to recognize National HIV Testing Day on June 27. HIV continues to be a critical issue in the United States and around the world.

Every nine and a half minutes, someone in the United States becomes infected with HIV. Many people who have HIV don’t know it. But many people who do know are living longer, healthier lives with treatment. In addition, once people know their HIV status, they are more likely to take precautions to reduce HIV transmission to their partners. This means HIV testing can help reduce new cases of HIV.

If you have never taken an HIV test, or it has been some time since your last one, I encourage you to locate your local HIV testing site and to take the test, and take control. To find an HIV test site near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948), visit www.HIVtest.org, or call 800-CDC-INFO. I also encourage people to learn about and participate in National HIV Testing Day events in their communities.

Please join this effort and help take another step towards a healthier America. To learn more about HIV please visit www.AIDS.gov.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: July 30, 2009