National HIV Testing Day, June 27th, was established in 1995. This year the theme is Take the Test & Take the Next Step. Knowing your status is the ultimate form of self-care. It will allow you to get the treatment you need at The Empowerment Resource Center. ERC provides health-related programs and services. They specifically support HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention education. From family planning counseling to substance abuse and mental health therapy, they offer a one-stop shop for those in need. Karla Porch from the Empowerment Resource Center joins us.
I ask why it was important to have a National HIV Testing Day, and Porch begins with the numbers. Of the 34,000 new cases of HIV, FORTY PERCENT of those cases were African Americans. Additionally, she added that women make up almost 90% of the new cases.
When asked who should be tested, Porch explained that the CDC encourages people thirteen and older to get tested at least once. Everyone who is sexually active should prioritize and make testing part of their health routine.
Everyone knows how HIV is contracted. Some people may not know that there are multiple ways to prevent the transmission of HIV beyond condoms. PrEP is just one way to prevent contracting HIV.
Porch speaks to people extending their lives after a positive HIV diagnosis through medical advances and by taking their medication daily. This is another reason why it is important to know your status. She speaks about the Empowerment Resource Center providing resources and assistance after a positive diagnosis, something that doesn’t always happen with a primary care physician.
The annual Take Charge Get Tested event will take place on Thursday, June 22nd, from 11AM - 5PM at Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta. Along with free HIV screening, there will be screening for other health challenges, food, music, and fun.
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For more information about the Empowerment Resource Center
For more information about National HIV Testing Day
To find a free testing site near you