National HIV Testing Day is Coming Up... Do You Know Your Status?

National HIV Testing Day is coming up on June 27th. Whether you haven’t been tested in a while, or you have never been tested at all, taking the initiative to get tested is an important part of leading a healthy life.


Having Trouble Deciding If You Should Get Tested?
If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, it is in your best interest to get an HIV test.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?

• Have you had unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown?

• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?

• Have you been diagnosed with, or treated for, hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer "Yes" to any of the above questions?

• Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

• Have you been sexually assaulted?

If you continue practicing high-risk behaviors, the CDC recommends that you get an HIV test at least once a year, and in some cases more often.

Wondering Why You Should Get Tested?

• Knowing your own HIV status can give you peace of mind—and testing is the only way you can know for sure.

• When you and your partner know each other's HIV status, you can make informed decisions about your sexual behaviors and how to stay safe.

• If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, knowing your status can help protect your baby from being infected.

• If you find out you are HIV-positive, you can get into early treatment. This increases your chances of staying healthy.

• If you know you are HIV-positive, you can also take steps to protect your sex or drug-using partners from becoming infected.

Please remember that HIV tests are confidential, and in some cases they are completely anonymous.

The above information, along with more resources to learn more about HIV/AIDS, where to find a testing center near you and ways you can get involved can be found at: http://www.aids.gov/

If you are diagnosed with HIV it is important to remember you are not alone. The Valley AIDS Network is a local organization that is dedicated to empowering HIV-positive individuals by offering them assistance, serving as an advocate for HIV awareness, and educating the public about HIV/AIDS.

The above information along with more resources and information can be found on the Valley AIDS Network Website: http://www.valleyaidsnetwork.org/index.php