12th Annual National HIV Testing Day Kicks Off On June 26, 2006
A House Concurrent Resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), along with the support of Representatives Michael Honda (CA-15), Donna Christensen (VI), and Hilda Solis (CA-32).
The Honorable Barbara Lee (CA 9th) gave the following statement, "In a nation where over a quarter of a million people are unaware that they have HIV/AIDS, expanding HIV counseling and testing is critical to stopping this disease," said Lee. "I join NAPWA in encouraging everyone who is concerned or unaware of their HIV status to get tested today."
NAPWA was one of the first national AIDS organizations to advocate that people at risk of infection should seek out voluntary HIV counseling, testing, and referral services. As people living with HIV/AIDS, we know that knowledge of HIV status is essential to making informed decisions about our lives.
Each year, on June 27, NAPWA organizes National HIV Testing Day, and in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Mayors of the following cities support the National HIV Testing Day through The Mayors Campaign Against HIV, which is a national call to action to Mayors across the country, inviting their constituencies to get tested for HIV on National HIV Testing Day and promote the benefits of knowing one's HIV status. Here is a list of participating Mayors:
First Lady Laura Bush spoke out recently in support of National HIV Testing Day. Testing events all over America help normalize HIV testing and sends the message to those at-risk that there are powerful reasons for learning one's HIV status.
The National HIV Testing Day campaign was developed in recognition and alarm about the growing number of HIV infections in heavily impacted communities, including communities of color, and amongst gay and bisexual men of all colors. An estimated 250,000 Americans today are unaware of their own HIV infection. NAPWA believes that participation in voluntary HIV counseling and testing is a critical first step in taking control and responsibility over one's health. The campaign shares the message "Take the Test, Take Control" with diverse communities across America.
This year's launch will feature events in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, San Antonio, San Juan, Los Angeles and New Orleans. The press conference will include POZ editor-in-chief Regan Hofmann (recently featured in Vogue and The New Yorker), OraSure CEO Douglas A. Michels, and NAPWA Executive Director Frank Oldham. In addition, there will be a panel of HIV+ people from diverse communities speaking about the realities of HIV testing.
NAPWA can be found at http://www.napwa.org/.
NAPWA's National HIV Testing Day Press Conference
About the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) NAPWA-US is the oldest national AIDS organization in the United States and the oldest national network of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Founded in 1983, NAPWA is a non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of all people living with HIV and AIDS in order to end the pandemic and the human suffering it causes. More than one million Americans are living with HIV and more than 40 million people around the world are infected. We will be here until there is a cure.
National Association of People with AIDS
http://www.napwa.org/
Al 12-lea anual Naþional de Testare HIV Ziua lanseazã concursul Pe 26 iunie 2006 - 12th Annual National HIV Testing Day Kicks Off On June 26, 2006 - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate