PSA Of The Day: Wednesday Is National HIV Testing Day

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 is National HIV Testing Day and the fine folks at Gay City Health Project encourage you to come in to their new offices at 517 East Pike Street and have a test, (They moved next door to the old location so you won’t get lost…)

Each year, on June 27, the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AIDS.gov, along with Gay City and other entities across the country, organizes National HIV Testing Day. This unique initiative sends the message, “Take the Test, Take Control,” to those at risk from HIV from those already living with HIV.

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, Gay City will be offering expanded HIV testing hours on Wednesday June 27. Free HIV testing will be available to everyone to people of any gender or orientation that day, from 12pm – 8pm.

“While our testing services are normally only available to gay, bi, and trans men, we’re reaching out to the entire community for this one day event,” said Gay City Executive Director Fred Swanson, adding “It’s an exciting chance for people to both learn their HIV status and check out what Gay City is all about.”

National HIV Testing Day was developed in response to the growing number of HIV infections among gay men, people of color, and other heavily impacted communities. Nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S., and almost one in five don’t know they are infected. NAPWA believes HIV testing is a critical first step in taking control and responsibility over one’s health.