Recognizing National HIV Testing Day
June 27 was National HIV Testing Day, which gave us another opportunity to remind our constituents that beginning in July the Center will be offering on-site rapid HIV testing. For more information, please contact our Community Services Department at: 646-556-9300. You can learn about all of our HIV/AIDS related programs and services by visiting our website.
The Center is also gearing up for Cycle for the Cause– The Northeast AIDS Ride. More than 100 riders will cycle from Boston to NYC over three days to raise awareness of those living with HIV and AIDS, and to honor those who have passed from this disease. Cycle for the Cause takes place on September 21-23, 2012 and will raise vital funds for the Center’s HIV/AIDS related programs and services. The funds raised by Cycle for the Cause allow the Center to direct its focus on three areas – prevention, support and testing. Learn more about how to sign up to ride or be a part of the crew at cycleforthecause.org, and read this excellent feature article about the event in EDGE.
Below please also read a White House statement on National HIV Testing Day
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2012
Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day
National HIV Testing Day highlights the importance of HIV testing and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Of the over1.1 million Americans living with HIV, more than 200,000 are unaware of their infection, and may unknowingly be transmittingthe virus to others. Knowing your HIV status is a vital step toward accessing life-extending treatment for HIV, and thanks to ongoing research, that treatment is more effective than ever.
In July 2010, my Administration released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which emphasizes the goals of reducing infections, improving health outcomes, and reducing HIV-related health disparities. Two years into its implementation, the Strategy continues to focus Federal, State, and local efforts on improving the delivery of HIV/AIDS services, including expanding outreach, testing, linkage to care, and treatment.
Testing remains a special priority – and thanks to quick and accurate tests, finding out your HIV status has never been easier. The Affordable Care Act now requires many health insurance plans to provide recommended preventive health services with no out of pocket costs, giving millions of Americans better access to HIV testing. Another CDC program, the Expanding Testing Initiative, has conducted 2.8 million tests in its first three years. Together, these and other efforts will help prevent new infections and ensure that people living with HIV lead healthy lives – moving us towards our goal of an AIDS-free generation.
###