There are more than one million people in the United States living with HIV and one-fourth of them don’t know they have it. A rapid test, with results in about 20 minutes, is all it would take to let individuals know if they are positive or negative with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The goal of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), Friday, June 27, is to identify people who don’t know they are HIV-positive, so they can access treatment. It is also to prevent new HIV infections by increasing education, awareness and access to voluntary counseling and testing. Utah offers testing locations throughout the state with free or low fee testing - generally around $10 - $15. To search for a testing location by zip code, visit www.hivtest.org

Some people mistakenly believe that HIV is no longer a serious problem and the disease is disappearing. Unfortunately, this is not the case. HIV infections are actually increasing in Utah and the rest of the country. According to reports released by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) on May 31, 2008, ninety-one HIV positive individuals were diagnosed in 2007. In Utah, male-to-male sexual contact was the most common means of HIV/AIDS exposure (55%); however, anyone with risk factors should be tested. It is anticipated that between 85 and 115 new HIV infections and 45 to 75 AIDS cases will be reported during 2008. Getting tested is the most important step you can take to remain healthy and to keep your loved ones healthy and safe.

The UDOH HIV Prevention Program will launch its new marketing campaign on National HIV Testing Day. The campaign features a magnetic note pad that reads, “Is It On Your List? It Should Be.” Banners, business cards, and the notepads have been developed, as well as a new Web site that will be launched in the next month. Copies of new campaign artwork are available upon request.

For more information about National HIV Testing Day, please visit www.aidsinfoutah.net or contact Lynn Meinor, HIV, STD and Hepatitis C Prevention Program Manger with the Utah Department of Health at 801-538-6198.

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