Free HIV testing across the country on National HIV Testing Day
Chicago, IL -
Thursday, June 27 is the eighth National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), a day dedicated to encouraging people to get tested for HIV.
As of 2009, an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, including 207,000 (18%) who do not know they have the virus. In 2011, there were more than 25,000 people living with HIV in Chicago; slightly less than half of which (47%), have not progressed to AIDS, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).
"Today is a reminder of how vitally important testing is," CDPH Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D., told ChicagoPride.com. "Testing makes a difference because knowing your status makes a difference. When you know your status, you can receive the treatment you need to live a long, healthy life and decrease the chances of transmission to others."
To find an HIV testing site near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to "KNOWIT" (566948) or visit the testing locator at the CDC.
Events will be taking place all over the country with information located at AIDS.gov.
As of 2009, an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, including 207,000 (18%) who do not know they have the virus. In 2011, there were more than 25,000 people living with HIV in Chicago; slightly less than half of which (47%), have not progressed to AIDS, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).
"Today is a reminder of how vitally important testing is," CDPH Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D., told ChicagoPride.com. "Testing makes a difference because knowing your status makes a difference. When you know your status, you can receive the treatment you need to live a long, healthy life and decrease the chances of transmission to others."
To find an HIV testing site near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to "KNOWIT" (566948) or visit the testing locator at the CDC.
Events will be taking place all over the country with information located at AIDS.gov.
