June 27th, National HIV Testing Day, was established as an annual observance to promote HIV testing. The theme is “Take the Test. Take Control.”
Step 1: Know the Facts
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV. Some groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors including their risk behaviors and geographic location. Blacks and Latinos continue to be disproportionately affected. According to Emory University’s Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), the South is home to 21 of the 25 metropolitan areas with both the highest number of individuals living with HIV and newly diagnosed with HIV infection (includes Metro Atlanta and Augusta). CDC data show that the South lags behind the rest of the U.S. when it comes to HIV-positive people getting the treatment they need or knowing that they are infected in the first place. Nearly 1 in 8 people living with HIV are unaware of their status.
HIV treatments are very effective in controlling the virus which help people living with HIV lead long healthy lives and significantly reduces the chances of passing the virus to others. Knowing one’s status is a crucial first step.
Step 2: Get Tested
Since 2011, Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens have teamed up with health departments to provide FREE HIV testing in the days leading up to National HIV Testing Day (June 27). The Walgreens at 2320 N. Druid Hills Rd and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness will offer free tests during select hours from June 23rd-25th. Please call the store at (404) 248-1793 for testing times.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians should routinely screen adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 years for HIV infection. Younger adolescents and older adults who are at increased risk should also be tested. All pregnant women should also be screened for HIV, including those who present in labor whose HIV status is unknown. CDC reports that adults at greater risk may benefit from getting an HIV test more often, perhaps every 3-6 months.
Step 3: Get involved
If your test is positive, get the support you need. It’s important to see a provider who specializes in HIV care as soon as possible after your HIV diagnosis. Clinics are available for the uninsured and underinsured throughout Metro Atlanta through the Ryan White Care Act.
Share your knowledge of HIV with others. Increased awareness of the HIV epidemic in the South helps reduce stigma. Follow
@TalkHIV and tweet about National HIV Testing Day using #NHTD.
Support people living with HIV. Have an open, honest conversation about staying safe and healthy. Listen to the challenges that people living with HIV face and provide support for their special needs.
Volunteer in your community. IHM AIDS Ministry provides service projects in support of Living Room (housing), Jerusalem House (housing), Mercy Care (support services), AIDS Walk Atlanta (raising awareness) and Open Hand (meal delivery). Please contact Nancy Koughan, IHM AIDS Ministry Chair at (404) 917-7036 or [email protected] for more information.
References: Rosenberg et al. Rates of Prevalent HIV Infection, Prevalent Diagnoses, and New Diagnoses Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in US States, Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and Counties, 2012-2013. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2016;2(1):e22