National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2005

Statement by Mike Leavitt Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2005

Today marks the 11th annual observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), which reminds all Americans that HIV testing is an important step in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
An estimated 40,000 Americans are newly infected with HIV each year, and at least one-fourth of Americans who are HIV positive, do not know it. New CDC data indicates that in 2003, between 1,039,000 and 1,185,000 people were living with HIV. As a means of stopping the spread of HIV and getting HIV-positive people into prevention and care, HHS is working to make HIV testing and counseling a routine part of medical care.

This year marks the 20th year of offering HIV testing and counseling. A great deal has changed since the first HIV tests were offered. With new rapid-test technology, you can learn your HIV status in 20 minutes. This is an important step toward preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and toward getting HIV-positive individuals into medical care that can improve and prolong their lives. Although recent data shows that voluntary rapid testing efforts are increasing the number of people who learn of their HIV status, too many Americans still do not know their status. This week, I join the President in our national prevention efforts to promote HIV testing as a routine part of health care.

The President continues his commitment to combating HIV/AIDS internationally and domestically. President Bush has called for the reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, based on the principles of focusing federal resources on life-extending care; ensuring flexibility to target resources to address areas of greatest need; and ensuring results.

As part of testing day observances, HHS and local health officials will take part in a variety of events across the country. We will also offer free, rapid, and confidential HIV counseling and testing to our Washington area employees at the Humphrey Building on June 27-29, 2005. To schedule a confidential and free HIV test, please call (202) 401-7945.

HHS will continue our campaign to make HIV testing more readily available. Working together, we can increase awareness and stop the spread of this epidemic.

We encourage those who want to learn more about HIV testing to visit HIVTest.org.

For information on NHTD visit omhrc.gov/hivaidsobservances/testing/ or HIV/AIDS call the CDC AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS (English), 1-800-344-SIDA (en Espanol), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, June 27, 2005 Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343 more at National HIV Testing Day or Health and Human Services