“Take the Test, Take Control!”

Published 11:02 am Friday, June 25, 2010

On June 27, the Georgia Department of Community Health’s (DCH), Division of Public Health (PH) is encouraging Georgians to take control of their lives through HIV testing in recognition of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD).  NHTD is an annual campaign coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS to encourage people of all ages to “Take the Test, Take Control.”

“Early HIV diagnosis is critical, so people who are infected can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments,” said Leisha McKinley-Beach, DCH’s HIV Prevention Program Manager.  “HIV testing is a key component in controlling the spread of HIV infection.  With an early diagnosis, medication, good nutrition and health care support, you can live a longer life.”  

More than one million people are living with HIV in the U.S., and approximately one in five of those are unaware of their infection.  Georgia currently ranks 8th for the rate of AIDS cases per 100,000 in the nation.  Among those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Georgia in 2008, 77 percent were African-American. The following are behaviors that increase your chances of getting HIV. If you answer yes to any of the following, you should definitely consider getting tested for HIV:

Injected drugs or shared equipment such as needles and syringes with others

Had unprotected sex

Been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like syphilis

For more information on HIV testing and prevention, please visit www.georgiahealthinfo.gov or call 1-800-551-2728.

About National HIV Testing Day

National HIV Testing Day was developed in response to the growing number of HIV infections in communities of color and other heavily impacted communities. Each year, on June 27, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other national and local 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.