In an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is recognizing Saturday, June 27 as National HIV Testing Day.

For the estimated quarter of a million Americans who are unaware of their HIV infection, knowing their status could save their lives. In MDCH funded testing sites throughout Michigan, more than 68,000 people are tested for HIV every year, and approximately 350 of those tests are positive for HIV.

"This year marks the 28th anniversary of HIV/AIDS," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH director. "Having yourself tested can save lives, especially your own."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006, which is roughly 40 percent higher than CDC's former estimate of 40,000 based on limited data and less precise methods of calculating what was available. What this means for persons at risk is that there are a higher pool of individuals infected with HIV, which means more opportunities to be exposed to HIV.

The national public awareness campaign is designed to educate the public about HIV counseling, testing and referral, and to encourage more people to assess their risk of HIV infection. The National Testing Day theme, "Take the Test, Take Control" was chosen to motivate individuals to be tested and by learning their test results, and if positive, get treatment, or if negative, assess their risk and change behaviors that put them at risk.

Testing for HIV can be anonymous or confidential and is offered through a variety of options. Testing is conducted by either a traditional blood draw or orally (by mouth) using a swab that gently collects cells in the cheek and gum area inside the mouth and provides quick, accurate, and painless results. There is also the option for a rapid HIV test at some testing sites, which takes only 20 minutes to obtain preliminary test results. Testing is offered throughout Michigan to accommodate client needs.

National HIV Test Day is one day a year when local health departments and community-based organizations work in collaboration to provide HIV testing opportunities for at-risk populations. These opportunities are provided through mobile clinics, outreach at bars, parks and churches and community-wide events. Events are planned across Michigan to raise awareness and promote HIV testing among Michigan residents. A list of the events in your area can be found at www.mihivnews.com.

For a testing site in your area, please call 1-800-872-AIDS. You can also contact your county's local health department by going to www.michigan.gov/mdch and clicking on the Local Health Department Map to the right under Quick Links or go to www.michigan.gov/hivstd and click on Michigan's HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Sites in Michigan.