National HIV Testing Day
Yo! In case you have already forgotten since the headline, today is National HIV Testing Day. The CDC recommends routine screenings of nearly everyone.
If you’re thinking about getting tested today (or any other day), but are fearful, let me assuage some concerns:
- It’s possible to get completely free, confidential (your name is not revealed to anyone) or anonymous (your name is never even asked) testings
- It’s possible to get your results within 20 minutes, so there’s no terrible anxiety-filled wait.
- You can be tested without having blood taken, using only a quick, painless mouth swab.
- If your result is negative (no HIV antibodies detected), you can know for sure and make a renewed commitment to avoiding transmission.
- If your result is positive (HIV detected), you can start treatment immediately that will help you live a long, fulfilling life. And you can learn how to reduce risk of transmission to others.
Thanks to AIDS.GOV for the following info:
Locate HIV Testing Near You: Use and share this online HIV/AIDS Prevention & Service Providers Locator and add the widget to your website or blog. Visit HIVtest.org 
. Send a text message with your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948).
Webinar/Conference Call: On June 26, 2012, AIDS.gov will host a webinar/conference call on “HIV Testing for an AIDS-Free Generation” for Federal staff, stakeholders, and for grantees who work with domestic HIV/AIDS programs. Learn more and register now Download and share this flyer (PDF, 1.65 MB).
Twitter: Learn about Twitter here. Use the hashtag #NHTD.
Podcast: Listen to Dr. Kevin A. Fenton, (Director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention) discuss National HIV Testing Day. Click here for audio podcast.
Posters: Download and customize these posters. Post them in your community. Order free, hard copy posters or download them from the Greater Than AIDS Online Store.
More resources: Download and share this NHTD toolkit which includes sample announcements, tweets, e-cards, web badges and more.
Learn about HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in the U.S.
- CDC’s Act Against AIDS campaign aims to combat complacency about the HIV/AIDS crisis.
- The Take Charge. Take the Test. campaign aims to increase HIV testing and awareness among African-American women. Learn more here.
- The Testing Makes Us Strongernational campaign promotes HIV testing among black gay and bisexual men.
- The Greater Than AIDS initiative responds to the AIDS epidemic, especially among Black Americans.
- Our Faith Lights the Way! mobilizes faith communities to educate and encourage every person in their congregation and community to get tested for HIV. The Balm in Gilead campaign encourages faith communities to offer HIV testing on and around NHTD 2012.
Learn about other HIV/AIDS Awareness Days: Visit the HIV/AIDS Awareness Days page.
Questions? Comments? Violent reactions? Email sexwithtimaree@gmail.com See more at http://www.facebook.com/sexwithtimaree and http://tinyurl.com/swtpod
