Minnesota AIDS Project Recognizes National HIV Testing Day - Challenges Minnesotans to Know Their Status

Business Wire, June 24, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS -- In observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, organizations in cities across the United States are encouraging those at risk to access voluntary HIV testing and counseling to know his or her HIV status. The Minnesota AIDS Project, the leading source for HIV information and services in the state, offers risk assessments, information on transmission and prevention, live online chats, and testing referrals through its statewide AIDSLine service. The Minnesota AIDS Project will also be offering free rapid HIV testing on Friday, June 26, at BioScrip Pharmacy in Minneapolis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In 2008, 326 new cases of HIV were reported in Minnesota1. There has been a steady increase of newly reported HIV infections in recent years and the number of new cases in a single year has not been seen since the mid-1990’s. Currently, more than 6,000 people are living with HIV in Minnesota and there is an estimated 2,500 more unaware that they are infected.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) is collaborating with the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) to raise awareness of the importance of being tested for HIV. The HSS website (www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays) displays the slogan, “I Know. I Took the Test”, asking people to share their stories; the site also includes facts, resources and a link to NAPWA’s website (http://www.napwa.org/). NAPWA’s call to action of “Take the Test, Take Control” echoes both with the HSS and Minnesota AIDS Project’s request for people to know their HIV status as it is an essential step in slowing the spread of this virus.

According to U.S. Center for Disease Control figures, over 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV nationally and approximately 56,000 new infections occur annually.

To find out more about HIV or the upcoming testing opportunities, Minnesotans can contact the AIDSLine by phone at 612-373-AIDS in the Twin Cities metro or 800-248-AIDS statewide, via email, or online chat by visiting www.mnaidsproject.org/aidsline. AIDSLine educators are available to answer questions Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and all information is confidential.

The Minnesota AIDS Project works statewide to prevent the spread of HIV in Minnesota and reduce the challenge of living with HIV through programs, partnerships, and initiatives to engage every member of our community to take responsibility and care about HIV. For more information and to find out how you can help please visit www.mnaidsproject.org.

1 Minnesota Department of Health. Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division. New HIV Infections Table. Minneapolis: 2008. Web.