national hiv testing day

just as the title indicates, this is the day set aside to bring forth the idea that everyone would benefit by knowing their status. it seems that a good many of the newer seroconversions could very well be due to the fact that people are unaware of their status and engaging in behaviors and continuing the cycle. it is assumed that if they knew they were hiv plus, they probably wouldn't be as likely to engage in such behaviors.

and here's a newsflash

i am really looking forward to the day. i think it probably is a good idea to get tested. if nothing more than to add to the intention of the day. i know it will be a lot of listening, but that is allright with me today. here is how i'll be spending my day. rod's day

and from richard kearns at www.aids-write.org

it has not been possible to confirm the deaths karen reported.

but the waiting line to stay alive in the land of health & wealth & the capitol of the global war industry raises troublesome questions.

suppose tomorrow — national HIV testing day, 2007 — was wildly successful beyond our greatest deranged imaginings and we identified every one of those CDC-estimated quarter of a million persons with HIV infections in the united states.

could we treat them?

would we?

who would profit?

who profits now?

how much?

what’s too much?

who dies first?

namasté

—lyr

National HIV Testing Day

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual campaign produced by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA-US) to encourage at-risk individuals to receive voluntary HIV counseling and testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 180,000 to 280,000 people nationwide are HIV-positive but are unaware of their status. HIV counseling and testing enables people with HIV to take steps to protect their own health and that of their partners, and helps people who test negative get the information they need to stay uninfected.

Across the country, thousands of HIV counseling and testing sites, state and local health departments, and community-based HIV/AIDS service providers will participate in NHTD events, by holding health fairs, providing community and media outreach, hosting special testing-related events or operating extended hours. Some of these events may be scheduled in the days and weeks surrounding NHTD. Campaign materials including posters, for use by these groups have been developed by NAPWA and are available for order or to download.

NHTD organizers will also reach out to communities at increased risk of HIV infection, including African American and Latino populations, both of which are disproportionately affected with HIV when compared to other demographic groups in the United States. The campaign also highlights this Web site, which allows users to locate HIV testing sites in their area.

Founded in 1983, NAPWA is the oldest coalition of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world and the oldest national AIDS organization. NAPWA advocates on behalf of all people living with HIV and AIDS in order to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS. HIV-positive people have a unique role to play in HIV prevention and promotion of voluntary HIV counseling and testing. This is the thirteenth year of National HIV Testing Day.

Support of some NHTD activities is provided by federal and corporate sponsors.

Media that wish to obtain more information on NHTD should contact NAPWA. Phone: 240-247-0880. Email: NHTD@NAPWA.org.

To learn more about how to participate in NHTD, visit the NAPWA HIV Testing Day Web site, www.napwa.org/hivtestinfo/ or email nhtd@napwa.org.

and here i go- trying to keep my eyes and my heart open to what the day may bring.