HIV Testing Day in Iowa

“Editor's note: Our normal Friday post on foreign affairs has been delayed until later in the day to get this important message about HIV Testing Day released.”

Sunday, June 27, 2010 is National HIV Testing Day. Along with clinics around Iowa and the United States, Johnson County Public Health will participate by opening its doors this Sunday. The hope is that providing this service outside normal business hours will give more people a chance to be tested. The test only takes a drop of blood and results are ready in 15 minutes. Call today to make an appointment at (319) 356-6038. Not near Johnson County? Click here to find a clinic near you.

The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) started National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) in 1995. Every year, on June 27th, local organizations across the nation engage with communities to promote early diagnosis and HIV-testing. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 250,000 of the one million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are unaware of their status. The lack of access to treatment and care along with social stigma can make living with HIV difficult.

With early diagnosis, uncertain individuals will know their HIV-status and could be placed in appropriate treatment and care. During NHTD, we work with our partners, which include thousands of community-based organizations, businesses, health departments, elected officials, media, and individuals to encourage routine HIV-testing and to promote culturally-apt messages for those affected by and living with HIV/AIDS.

If you are uncertain about you HIV
status, today would be a great day to make an appointment to get tested. Here are some resources: