Free HIV Tests Being Offered in Recognition of National HIV Testing Day

ALBANY, NY (06/17/2010)(readMedia)-- On or around Sunday, June 27, 2010, organizations in the Capital Region and across the nation will offer free HIV tests in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. This event promotes HIV education and prevention. In 1995, The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) launched the campaign to respond to the steady increase in the number of HIV positive men and women. NAPWA, in partnership with US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and many other organizations, encourages the early diagnosis of HIV. Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, along with other health centers, will offer free testing.

According to the CDC, at the end of 2006 an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States were living with diagnosed or undiagnosed HIV and AIDS. Approximately one out of every four people infected with HIV does not know it, contributing to the estimated 56,300 new HIV infections that arise per year.

This epidemic reflects especially heavy in minority and undeserved communities. The HIV infection rate among African Americans is seven times higher than among whites, and the rate among Hispanics is three times higher than among whites. While racial disparities persist overall, it is especially seen among African American women, making up about two thirds (64%) of women infected with HIV.

The NAPWA encourages you to "Take control, Take the Test!" Free HIV tests by rapid finger stick or oral swab with results in 20 minutes will be available at the following locations:

• UHPP Albany health center, 259 Lark Street, Monday June 21, 1p.m. to 5p.m. and Thursday, June 24, 9a.m. to 1p.m.

• UHPP Troy health center 200 Broadway, Suite 200, Monday June 21, 10a.m. to 5p.m.

• Columbia County Department of Health, 325 Columbia Street, Hudson, Tuesday June 22, 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.

• Bliss Towers, 41 North 2nd Street, Hudson, Tuesday June 22, 4:30p.m. to 6:30p.m.

• UHPP Hudson health center, 190 Fairview Avenue, Thursday June 24, 9a.m. to 1p.m.

• Green County Family Planning, 411 Main Street, Catskill, Wednesday June 23, 9a.m. to 12p.m.

UHPP participation in the Free HIV testing day campaign is also supported by the national GYT campaign-a collaboration between Planned Parenthood Federation of America, MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation. The GYT campaign, which stands for Get Yourself Tested AND Get Yourself Talking aims is to spark a youthful, empowering social movement around getting tested for sexually transmitted infections. It encourages young people to "take control of our lives" by "talking openly about getting tested and getting it done." The GYT campaign has provided free HIV tests to UHPP health centers for this event and sponsors a youth oriented web site and media campaign. More info is available at www.itsyoursexlife.com/gyt

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care since 1934. In 2009, over 14,000 patients made 24,975 visits to UHPP health centers located in Albany, Hudson and Troy. UHPP health educators present over 300 education programs reaching over 5,000 youth and young adults. UHPP services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.