National HIV Testing Day, established in 1995, is celebrated annually on June 27th. Knowing your status is the ultimate form of self-care. This allows you to protect the people you love and provides an opportunity to have an active life. The Empowerment Resource Center provides health-related programs, medical services, and testing for HIV. From family planning, counseling to substance abuse and mental health therapy, they offer a one-stop shop for those in need of health services around sexual health. Ms. Jaqueline Brown, the CEO of the Empowerment Resource Center, speaks about their work.
I asked Brown who needed to be tested, if there was a prime demographic they targeted. She explains that the demographic is anyone who is sexually active should be tested. If you’re in a monogamous relationship or sexually active with multiple partners, you should know your status and the status of the people you’re having intercourse with.
People who are on HIV medication often no longer have a viral load, meaning they do not transmit the disease. I asked if this is a way to prevent the spread. Brown shares that it is one of the best ways, but to do this, “you have to know your status.”
Brown shares that the State of Georgia is ranked third in the country for new HIV diagnoses. The only way to stop the spread of HIV is to get tested and know your status.
The Empowerment Resource Center is hosting events this week to promote HIV Testing. Located at 230 Peachtree St NW Ste 1800 the ERC provides testing and other services supportive setting with resources.