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News Release

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

Last Revised: June 26, 2003