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"Take The Test, Take Control": It's National HIV Testing Day
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 27, 2012
Modified Jun 27, 2012
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 27, 2012
Modified Jun 27, 2012
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Today is National HIV Testing Day, which is observed to encourage people to get tested. The importance of being tested has prompted some cities—like D.C.—to introduce HIV testing at DMVs, offering those who get tested a $7 credit.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. encouraged his constituents—as well as everyone else— to get tested, "Too many people do not know they have HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States, but approximately one in five are unaware of their infection. AIDS United reports an estimated 23,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the Bronx. Though the Bronx is third behind the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn with higher rates of infected persons, we sadly have the highest death rate due to a lack of testing."
He added, "Getting tested is the first step to finding out if you have HIV. If you have HIV, getting medical care and following the proper health regime will not only help you live a longer, healthier life but also it will also lower the prevalence of HIV transmission... So please, get tested, know your status and act on it."
Here's information from the NYC Department of Health about HIV testing—there are free and confidential STD clinics all over the city.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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