National HIV Testing Day
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, which is a day to encourage people to know their HIV status by getting tested and linked to care. The day also hits on the importance of an early diagnosis of HIV. The theme for this year is “My Test, My Way,” which emphasizes that there are many ways and places to get tested and encourages people to get tested in a way that is convenient and comfortable for them.
Facts about Black people and HIV testing:
1 in 7 Black people living with HIV in the US were unaware of their diagnosis. This means they cannot get the treatment they need and could unknowingly transmit the virus to others.
In a 2018 report, the CDC found that Black men who have sex with men living in the U.S. South received only 6% of HIV tests provided at community-based facilities, despite making up 39% of new diagnoses at these non-health care facilities, indicating they are under tested.
Some Black people at risk for HIV fear discrimination and rejection because of a positive diagnosis and may choose not to get tested.
Use #HIVTestingDay on social media to share posts and information about the different options people have when it comes to HIV testing.
