This Sunday, June 27, 2010 marks the 2010 National HIV Testing Day. Local congregations and organizations will host a variety of testing and awareness opportunities. Continue reading for President Obama’s statement marking the day.
Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day
This Sunday is National HIV Testing Day, an occasion to raise awareness of the steps each of us can take as individuals to fight HIV/AIDS. As we mark this day, I would like to renew my call for all Americans to help reduce the risk of infection by getting tested for HIV and learning their HIV status. One in five Americans who are currently living with HIV– more than 230,000 people — do not know their status. The majority of HIV infections are spread by those who are unaware that they have the disease. And research shows that people who know their status take better care of themselves and take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others. That is why it is so important that people get tested.
In recent years, we have made huge advances in HIV research, prevention and care. Still, HIV and AIDS remains an epidemic in this country. That is why my Administration is launching in the coming days a comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy focused on reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care, and reducing HIV-related health disparities. But government cannot address this important issue alone. We need the commitment of businesses, churches and faith groups, philanthropic organizations, the scientific and medical communities, educational institutions and others. And all of us have a responsibility to reduce our risk and know our status, to continue to support those already affected by this disease, and to fight the stigma and discrimination people still face. So on this National HIV Testing Day, let us all recommit to do our part to help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Original Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov
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Resources & Local Events:
National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA)
CDC: National HIV and STD Testing Resources
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
| Who: | Public Health Agencies, San Francisco Federal Bldg |
| What: | HIV Prevention Fair at the San Francisco Federal B |
| When: | Thursday, June 24, 2010, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Where: | 90 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 |
| Info: | Onsite rapid HIV testing. Information on local HIV prevention organizations, NAMES Project Quilt Display, Mobile Testing Van, Musical Performances. Contact: Sheila James, 415-437-8042 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 415-437-8042 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Sheila.James@hhs.gov. |
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| Who: | Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center |
| What: | San Francisco Pride 2010 |
| When: | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Where: | 505 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
| Info: | At San Francisco Pride, free on-site rapid HIV and free Hepatitis B/C testing. Individuals who take an HIV test will receive a free gift bag. Is open to everyone. Contact: Sonia Rastogi, 415-292-3420 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 415-292-3420 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Ext. 349, sonia@apiwellness.org. |
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| Who: | National Coalition of 100 Black Women |
| What: | “No Regrets” |
| When: | Saturday, July 10, 2010, 6:00PM |
| Where: | BAYVIEW OPERA HOUSE 4705, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124 |
| Info: | HIV/AIDS education and on-site rapid testing. Contact: MAXINE HICKMAN, 415-221-3127 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 415-221-3127 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, mhickman@ncbwsf.org. |
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