BOSTON, Mass. — Today is National HIV Testing Day. The US Centers for Disease Control estimates that one-in-five people living with HIV do not know their status. What that means for Massachusetts is that there are approximately 7,000 to 9,000 people who are HIV positive in the Commonwealth but don’t know it.
“We cannot end the AIDS epidemic in Massachusetts if those who are HIV positive are unaware of their status,” said AIDS Action Committee President & CEO Rebecca Haag. “Increased HIV testing will help get those infected into care and treatment earlier and will result in better health outcomes and lower health care costs for those who are living with HIV.”
National HIV Testing Day is a great reminder to schedule your next HIV test this week. You can access HIV testing at your doctor’s office, at community health centers, or at community-based testing facilities like AIDS Action’s The MALE Center. If you are in a high risk group for HIV, knowing your status is an important step in taking charge of your health. Earlier testing for HIV will also help prevent the spread of new infections since those who know their status and are in treatment are much less likely to transmit the virus to others.
The MALE Center will be open for a full schedule of rapid HIV testing appointments this week with complimentary, healthy snacks available. Go ahead and make an appointment and take advantage of our expanded hours. The MALE Center is now open five days a week, most evenings until 8pm, and two Saturdays each month from 11am to 5pm. Drop by or call at 617-450-1987. The MALE Center is located at 571 Columbus Avenue in Boston’s South End.
Learn more about HIV testing online.
About AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is the state’s leading provider of prevention and wellness services for people vulnerable to HIV infection. It provides services to one in six people in Massachusetts living with an HIV diagnosis. These services include HIV counseling and testing; needle exchange; mental health counseling; housing assistance; and legal services. AIDS Action works to prevent new HIV infections, support those affected by HIV, and tackle the root causes of HIV/AIDS by educating the public and health professionals about HIV prevention and care; and advocating for fair and effective HIV/AIDS policy at the city, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1983, AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is New England’s first and largest AIDS service organization. Learn more at www.aac.org.
